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Is it time for tech on the tee?

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swing. And let’s not forget sharing photos of a course via Instagram or Twitter, which represents a great marketing opportunity for your club. In the future, devices like Google Glass (a wearable computer with a Heads Up Display) will make their way to the course, seamlessly marrying web technology like GPS with the offline world of golf. In my opinion, the courses and clubs which openly embrace this new technology (and not just “tolerate” it) will surely be a step or two ahead of those clubs stuck in the dark ages. As usual, we’d love to hear your thoughts: Is technology the way forward, or is it destined to hurt the game? Is technology welcomed or shunned at your club? Drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au •

Technology is everywhere in golf. GPS and laser rangefinders, for example, have been allowed on the course for years. And recent studies have shown that the technology actually speeds up play, as it negates the need to search for sprinkler heads, pace off yardages, etc. But these devices and apps are just the tip of the iceberg. More clubs and groups are embracing live scoring apps like Golf GameBook, which let players in a competition update their scores on each hole, thereby creating a live leaderboard in real time. This creates real excitement for Matchplay events, weekly comps or even the annual golf weekend away. You can even send messages to each other (sledging, encouragement, etc), or broadcast general announcements to the field. Other apps let you pre-order food from the clubhouse (speeding up your time at The Turn, etc), monitor your distance walked/played, check your fitness or even keep your stats of each

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ver the last two months, I’ve received many positive emails from readers regarding my recent column on clubs offering Wi-Fi in the clubhouse. Indeed, many clubs are cottoning on to the prospect that offering free Wi-Fi access to your members is not only a good valueadd, but is also a great way to help boost your Food & Beverage sales (by keeping members at the course) while also improving the “vibe” in your clubhouse. However, one major obstacle, I’m told, is that there are still many clubs that do not allow electronic devices like mobile phones in the clubhouse or on the course. Now, I’m not in favour of allowing people to make noisy phone calls while others are teeing off or discussing their round over a beverage at the 19th Hole. But what is the harm in allowing golfers/members to silently check emails, messages or news like PGA TOUR Scores on electronic devices without feeling like a minor criminal? Technology is an integral part of the world in which we live, and while the course and clubhouse are certainly a wonderful sanctuary from the clamour of daily life, today’s modern golfer (Generation X, Y and Z --the most lucrative target market for golf clubs) place a high importance (some would say “dependence”) on their electronic devices. Their digital lives operate in Real Time—they don’t want to be forced to go to the carpark or a dedicated room (similar to the once common Smoker’s Room in the past) every time there is an SMS or email.

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Stars aligning for Summer of Golf

E A D E R

dam Scott has confirmed that he will return to Australia this summer to contest the PGA Tour of Australasia signature events: The Australian Masters, Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.

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Having won the 2013 Australian PGA Championship, 2013 Talisker Australian Masters, the teams event component of the 2013 World Cup partnered with Jason Day and then narrowly missing out on claiming the 2013 Triple Crown with a second place finish at the 2013 Emirates Australian Open, Adam is looking forward to returning to Australia to compete on home soil.

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“It was an amazing four weeks playing in Australia last year. The support I received was incredible and I am really looking forward to returning this year. Having almost won the Triple Crown last year, I am very keen to see if I can go one better this year,” said Adam.

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Joining Scott in the Emirates Australian Open field is World Number 9 Jason Day. The 26 year-old Queenslander won his second PGA Tour title, the WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona in February and finished fourth at the U.S Open in June.

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“It’s always good to come home to Australia and I’m excited to be able to play at the Emirates Australian Open again in November,” Day said.

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Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was delighted to see Day return to Australia.

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“It was great to have Jason back at the Open last year and we’re really looking forward to seeing him take on The Australian Golf Club in November. It would be great to see him right in contention to win his national Open for the first time,” Pitt said. One of world golf’s rising stars, Jordan Spieth, will also head to Sydney in November. The 21 year-old American has taken the golf world by storm in the last 18 months after his breakthrough win on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic in 2013. By doing so, Spieth became the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour in 82 years. “I can’t wait to get down to Australia at the end of the year and be part of such a terrific field in Sydney,” Spieth said.

“Jordan is an excitement machine,” adds Pitt. “He has consistently performed on the PGA Tour which has allowed him to become the youngest American player ever to make it inside the world Top-10. Together with World Number 1 Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Jason Day, everything is in place for a terrific week at the Emirates Australian Open.” Rounding out the latest announcements, former US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy has confirmed that he will return to Australia to play the Perth International. The 37-year-old has had a strong year on the PGA TOUR, winning the Barracuda Championship – his first TOUR win since 2010. He has eight PGA TOUR and four European Tour wins under his belt, including three World Golf Championships. Following his win in Reno, Ogilvy said he was looking forward to continuing his strong form in Perth. “I’ve been putting in a lot of practice to get to my current form, and I’m hoping I can continue to play well over the next few months,” he said. “I have a strong affiliation with Lake Karrinyup Country Club as my business partner, Mike Clayton, was responsible for remodelling the course layout in 2007. The course now has plenty of challenges, I’m sure Mike will be putting pressure on me to perform well!

Already announced to join Ogilvy for the tournament are world number 22 Victor Dubuisson, five-time European Tour Champion Brett Rumford, defending Perth International champion Korean born Jin Jeong, 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel, American Jason Dufner and Australian Steven Bowditch who won his maiden PGA TOUR title in April at the Texas Open. Lake Karrinyup Country Club is widely acknowledged as Western Australia’s premier private golf club and has been regularly rated as one of the top ten golf courses in Australia. DETAILS Perth International Lake Karrinyup Country Club 23-26 October. www.perthinternational.com Australian Masters The Metropolitan Golf Club 20-23 November. www.australianmasters.com.au Emirates Australian Open The Australian Golf Club 27-30 November. www.australianopengolf.com.au Australian PGA Championship RACV Royal Pines Resort 11-14 December. www.championship.pga.org.au

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Aussies win Women’s World Amateur T

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he Australian team of Minjee Lee, Su Hyun Oh and Shelly Shin were on the top of the world last month, winning the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship and clinching the Espirito Santo Trophy in Japan.

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The Australians finished with a team total of 547 strokes to finish two strokes ahead of Canada, and three clear of Korea at the Iriyama and Oshitate courses of the Karuizawa Golf Club.

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The win is Australia’s first in the championship since Katherine Kirk (nee Hull), Lindsey Wright and Vicky Thomas (nee Uwland) won in 2002. The victory was set up by a blistering performance over the final two rounds from Lee who bounced back from a first round 73 to shoot 70-64-65 (-16). Oh finished with rounds of 71-68-70-66 (-13) while Shin shot 74-70-72-72 (E). Each team has two or three players and plays 18 holes of stroke play for four days. In each round, the total of the two lowest scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four-day (72-hole) total is the team’s score for the championship. Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said: “We are so proud of this team. They have faced the best players in the world and come away with the win in what is one of the most challenging team championships in golf.” Lee (Royal Fremantle GC) was the World Number 1 amateur prior to turning

professional last month. She finished as the leading amateur at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in her first appearance at a Major in April. She is the current Victorian Open and Australian Amateur champion and a former US Junior champion.

a member of Australia’s winning Queen Sirikit Cup team. She was a quarterfinalist at this year’s Australian Amateur.

Oh (Metropolitan GC) is the World Number 6 amateur. Oh was runner-up at last year’s Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast and part of Australia’s winning Queen Sirikit Cup team in 2013. She is a former Australian junior champion.

The Women’s World Amateur Team Championship is celebrating 50 years in 2014. The first championship, won by France, was played 1-4 Oct. 1964 at St. Germain Golf Club, St. Germain (Paris), France. Twenty five teams competed that year and each of those nations is represented at the 2014 championship except Chile and Bermuda. •

Shin (Concord GC) was a semi-finalist at the US Junior Championship and is the current Women’s Riversdale Cup champion and was

A total of 51 teams – the third-highest ever – entered the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship.

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Dodt captures Isuzu Queensland Open

Golf Australia, Drummond Golf expand relationship Drummond Golf has expanded its relationship with Golf Australia to “major partner” level. The national retailer is looking to play a key role in driving increased participation in the sport through its new position as presenting sponsor of the national Playgolf WEEK program from 17-23 November. Drummond Golf will continue as a key sponsor of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open as part of its wider relationship with Golf Australia. The new agreement sees Drummond Golf join the recently announced Accor Hotels Australia together with Audi, HOST Plus and Coca-Cola Amatil as Golf Australia’s major partners. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said Drummond Golf had consistently demonstrated a desire to work across all levels of golf. “Golf Australia has always enjoyed a positive relationship with Drummond Golf and we’re very pleased that we’ve been able to expand the work we do together to other activities throughout the year through this major partnership,” Pitt said. For over 35 years Drummond Golf has been providing the world’s leading golf brands at competitive prices to golfers of all levels and ages. Today, Drummond Golf is Australia’s largest off-course golf retailer with nearly 50 stores in all the states and territories throughout Australia.

“This is my second win as a Professional so I am pretty pumped right now. To win your State Open means a lot,” added Dodt. “I have worked hard in the last few months and it has paid off.” Overnight leader and eventual runner-up Bond needed a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff with Dodt but a bogey put an end to his campaign.

ueensland’s Andrew Dodt proved that patience is a virtue in golf, overcoming a six-stroke Sunday deficit to capture the 2014 Isuzu QLD Open played at Brookwater Golf and Country Club.

Finishing the day on 3-over the card for a tournament total of 5-under 283, Bond was disappointed not to have closed out the tournament.

Starting the final round six shots off the lead, Dodt fired an impressive 67 for a tournament total of 7-under 281, claiming the title by two shots from South Australian Tom Bond.

“At the moment I am feeling pure disappointment. I hit it well enough today to win comfortably but my putting let me down.” “But that is why it’s such a tough game because you have to have everything working.”

Having practiced at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club as an amateur, Dodt was confident from the start of the week that he could take out the title. “I knew I was playing well and I know the course well. I had a good game plan and I stuck to that all week,” said Dodt. “Patience was the key. I stayed patient all week, hung in there when I needed to, holed the putts when I needed to and came out on top.” Dodt played under the radar for most of the final round until four birdies in his closing six holes pushed him into the lead, a birdie on 18 sealing the title for him.

“It was good being in the last group in a tournament like this and hopefully next time I am in that position I will do better.” “I knew if I made some birdies early to put some pressure on, then get to the back nine within two or three of the lead that I would be a chance,” added Dodt. “I was fortunate to do that and I am proud of myself for the way I handled it.” This is Dodt’s first victory since winning the 2010 Avantha Masters on the European Tour and Asian Tour.

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Finishing tied third on 3-under 285 were Matthew Griffin (VIC), Cameron Smith (QLD), Anthony Brown (VIC), Jake Higginbottom (NSW) and Michael Long (NZ). Queensland’s Kade McBride claimed leading amateur honours finishing tied 8th with New South Wales Professional Brett Drewitt on 2-under 286. For all the final scores from the Isuzu QLD Open, visit www.pga.org.au/qld-open.

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$10k grant for Howlong

Kingswood GC site sold

Howlong Country Golf Club says its facilities will soon be ‘state-of-the-art’ after receiving a New South Wales Government grant totalling almost $10,000. The club has received $9,350 to spend on two brand-new hitting bays and equipment shed. “The ten thousand dollars makes a massive difference because our junior program is funded by the local Howlong Op Shop and fundraising activities,” says Club General Manager Chris Rebecchi. “There’s not a lot of opportunities in the country for quality sporting. This facility will be state-of-the-art. This will be equivalent to anything in the major cities.” “It’s fantastic to have it for the more advanced kids to use and to play on while the clinics are being undertaken,” Rebecchi says. “We’ve only got 2,500 people in town yet we’ve got 120 kids registered in the junior program.” In 2012, the club was recognised by Golf Australia as the MYGolf Centre of the Year and this year received a Highly Commended Award in the Clubs NSW Clubs and Community Awards. “This grant that we’ve received is on the back of those efforts,” Rebecchi says. “What we’re trying to do is create an even better facility that we can use to encourage kids to get involved in the game and to continue to grow and develop in a game that they can play for their lives.”

he Kingswood Golf Course site in Melbourne’s south-east has been sold to Industry Superannuation Property Trust (ISPT) for a reported $100 million. The September 5th sale was announced last month via a letter to members of the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, the recentlycreated “Superclub” formed by the merger of the Kingswood and Peninsula clubs along the Melbourne Sandbelt. “The sale was achieved at the end of a very competitive process among a large number of domestic and international bidders and will contribute in excess of $100 million to the vision Members voted for in 2013 and is a wonderful result for our new Club,” said Heath Wilson, General Manager. “The Board’s focus is now on getting to work

and delivering that vision. Key terms of the sale contract will remain commercial in confidence. “We are very pleased with the outcome and wish to thank Marcus Willison and Jodi Bastian from Ernst & Young for their professionalism shown during the process. “Together we are now able to replace the slide into mediocrity and potential closure as forecast by PwC had we tried to continue as we were. Instead, we can now all be founding Members of one of the finest Golf and Country Clubs in Australia.” The Kingswood site will remain in operation for a further three years, giving members of the Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club continued access to the spectacular 18-hole facility in addition to the highly-rated 36 holes at the Peninsula location. •

Benalla burgled Benalla Golf Club is out of pocket several thousand dollars after thieves allegedly stole cash from inside its gaming room on the morning of Wednesday September 3. Benalla Police said two offenders broke in through the back door of the club at 2.30am after removing a partition from the outdoor smoking area. Once inside, the men allegedly removed money from cash tins attached to the club’s poker machines. Police would not specify the exact amount of money stolen but said “it’s several thousands.” The burglars are also alleged to have attempted unsuccessfully to open a safe within the club’s cash room. Police said the thieves fled the scene after nine minutes. “Obviously this is all recorded on CCTV footage,” said Sergeant Shannon Murphy from Benalla’s Crime Investigation Unit. “They had a vehicle parked nearby and were potentially with a third person who was in the getaway vehicle. Once they left, they got in the vehicle and drove back towards the Hume Highway.” Benalla Police suspect the men are also responsible for alleged burglaries at the Benalla Bowls Club, Barham Golf Resort in New South Wales and a golf club in Tatura near Shepparton. “It’s a very high priority for us because it really reduces the perception of safety within the community,” said Sergeant Murphy. Benalla’s Assistant General Manager Geoff Muir said the club’s financial position is still strong despite the stolen money, but members and Benalla residents remain worried. “It’s probably got everyone on edge because the bowls club here in Benalla was broken into,” Muir admitted. “We’re still up and running, we’re functioning, it’s all good.”

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

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RACV Royal Pines shaping up well “The players need to walk off the ninth green and onto the 10th without having to change their putting stroke so the speed needs to be pretty much the same.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ACV Royal Pines Resort golf course superintendent Lincoln Coombes is confident the redesigned front nine holes will be ready for play when the Australian PGA Championship gets underway on December 11. The Winter Green grass fairways and TifEagle grass greens have taken root and the reshaped bunkering looks impressive and decidedly different to the old sand traps. Perhaps the biggest test facing Coombes and his team is achieving consistency between the new greens and those on the back nine holes, which are Bermuda 328 grass.

“And the players also need to be confident they can bang the balls into the greens, know how far it’s going to bounce and that it doesn’t change from nine to nine.” To help Coombes achieve a good outcome, he has purchased a firmness meter and a moisture sensor. “We will be taking measurements on how hard the greens are and making sure they are all roughly the same,” he said. “It gives us a chance to get them reasonably consistent. “But at the moment we are just trying to grow the grass in and establish as much (grass) roots as possible.

“The greens are going to be our trickiest challenge,” Coombes said.

“Then we will start reducing the height of the grass.

“The first three holes (seventh, sixth and fifth) were laid in April/May and have come a long way.

“The seventh hole was laid down first and we are now cutting it down to 12 millimetres whereas the first hole has only had its first cut.

“They look like they are ready to go now whereas the putting green, which will be used the most, was only laid in midAugust. We have to get that to tournament conditions.

“At the moment the grass on each hole is being cut to different heights because the construction was staggered.”

“It comes down to uniformity and getting the putting surfaces the same.

“The new bunkers have a nice sandy mix, are a little fluffier but lot cleaner than the old bunkers.

“We not only have to make sure the new greens are consistent, but we have to marry them up with the older 328 greens on the back nine. “We want to make sure what we are doing on the new holes is not different to what we are doing on the back nine.

But the biggest talking point will be the bunkering, according to Coombes.

“They will play a little differently from nine to nine only because the old bunkers have more silk in them. “The style of the bunkers is a lot different anyway so the players will have to adjust from one nine to the next.”

In addition to improved fairways and greens, the new bunkers (foreground) in the redesigned front nine at RACV Royal Pines will be a sharp contrast to the back-nine’s older bunkers (background). Aesthetically pleasing, the additional eight or nine bunkers on the front nine will put the players in two minds. They’ll ask themselves, do I attack or play conservatively? “We have more bunkers, but the sand surface is a lot smaller than what we had,” Coombes said. The new-look nine holes will undoubtedly impress fans that enjoy following their favourite players around the course. Spectator mounding around the greens, tees and along fairways will make viewing more comfortable. Previously, the layout was rather flat, particularly around the greens where fans

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like to gather. “Graham Marsh (course designer) has not only taken into account the way the course plays, but he has given spectators good vantage points to watch the golf,” Coombes said. “Overall, the new holes have blended into the landscape well and have added character to the layout.” With the clock ticking, it’s exciting times ahead for the Australian PGA Championship. “I think the course will be in good shape when the tournament tees off,” Coombes said. “I think the layout will be challenging for the pros and the general public when they get a chance to play it.” •

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Cardinia Beaconhills kicking goals with FootGolf Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

ardinia Beaconhills Golf Links is leading the way as a pioneer of the sport of FootGolf in Victoria. The fledgling sport, which combines soccer and golf, could be introduced as a regular weekly fixture at the club as early as late October and is being considered as the basis for a separate membership category. “You get a soccer ball, you have a kick-off area, which is similar to a tee-off area and just kick the ball into a big hole, just like you do in golf,” explains Club Manager Fiza Errington. “We put the FootGolf hole on the side of the fairway in the rough, so it doesn’t affect the play of the golfers and you can play without having to disturb anything.” Cardinia Beaconhills plans to set the giant FootGolf cups about halfway from tee to green on each hole. The cups are about one and a half feet wide with a normal sized flagstick, allowing a round to be played much faster than a typical game of golf.

“Not only is it a secondary stream of income, it’s also a great way for the younger generation to come in,” Errington says. “Just like you pay a green fee, anyone can come in and play FootGolf. Down the track, if interest is up, we might even introduce a combination of a FootGolf membership and a golf membership.”

“It’s definitely appealing for a younger generation,” Errington says. “Hopefully with FootGolf, the idea is that they come into the sport, get exposed to the elements of golf and the golf course culture, hopefully down the track, they’ll pick up golf as a sport.”

“A member of the club came up to me and showed me some brochures about FootGolf, which is very popular in Europe,” Errington says. “She just came back from a tournament there where FootGolf was massive with a big audience and lots of interest. I did my own research and thought it was a good idea as well.”

The club will officially launch its involvement in FootGolf on November 23, during Playgolf Week, which is a national event aimed at boosting golf participation.

According to the governing body of the sport in Australia, FootGolf Australia, there are only two venues currently staging official FootGolf events – Wembley Golf Club in

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

IT’S taken six years, but finally someone has won a car offered by Graham Jacka Holden for scoring a hole-in-one at Maryborough Golf Club in Victoria. Playing in the Holden Scramble event, Peter Kelly of Mt Xavier Golf Club in Ballarat, made history when his trusty seven-iron tee shot on the 18th hole found the cup. It was his second hole-in-one – the first occurring more than 40 years ago.

Cardinia Beaconhills plans to take advantage of its 27-hole offering by staging FootGolf competitions, open to green fee players, simultaneously with golf competitions. “We can play around with it with 27 holes, where one nine will be dedicated just for FootGolf,” Errington reveals. “On weekends, we will have an allocated time for the FootGolf players to go out.” The first official FootGolf tournament was staged in The Netherlands in 2009. The Hungarian capital of Budapest held the inaugural FootGolf World Cup in June 2012, which featured eight countries competing. Since then, Australia has joined more than 20 other FootGolf playing nations recognised by the Federation for International FootGolf.

Ace Peter wins car at Scramble

Dealer principal Ken Jacka was standing near the 18th green handing out drinks to players when Peter’s ball went in the hole. “At first I didn’t believe it when the observer called over to me that the ball went in off the tee shot, but I walked over and the ball was in the hole,” he said. Western Australia and Colonial Golf Course in New South Wales. “FootGolf Australia are going to run comps in every state hopefully if this game kicks off,” Errington hopes. Meanwhile, Cardinia Beaconhills will also host its annual Phoenix Day fundraiser on October 4. “What it is, literally, is the club rising from the ashes because we almost went broke three years ago and almost closed the doors,” Errington reveals. “So part of that is that we’re back on track and we’re surviving.” Players will play 18 holes with the choice of a morning or afternoon shotgun start and will dine in the clubhouse after the round. Betting holes and private auction items will be up for grabs including hampers, cakes, gift cards, golf merchandise and even a popcorn machine. •

Peter said he saw his ball disappear and thought it had gone over the back of the green. “The spotters were calling out that it had actually gone in,” he said. “It was an unbelievable feeling. I’ve never won anything before in my life.” Peter has generously offered his team a share in the new car – air out of the tyres. But he has agreed to drive them to golf for their usual Tuesday round. This year’s Holden Scramble competition saw 24 teams battle it out at Maryborough Golf Club, which saw Grant Rogers, Sean Harkin, Mark Wyllie and Daniel Regan take the honours as the winning team.

news

Qld Open rises to occasion David Newbery

DAMIEN Jordan didn’t just win the 54hole Queensland Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club member blitzed the field.

david@insidegolf.com.au

EEZ, there were a lot of positives to come out of the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater Golf Club, according to Golf Queensland manager golf operations Luke Bates.

Playing at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, Jordan fired rounds of 69-73-67 for a 209 total finishing 13 strokes clear of runner-up Dean Dunleavy of Redcliffe Golf Club.

He told Inside Golf crowds were up 40 per cent on last year and more than 2000 schoolchildren were introduced to the game.

Jamie Pitt of Gainsborough Greens was a shot further back.

“We doubled the numbers,” he said. “Last year we had about 1000 kids and this year 2000 kids from the Ipswich community. “Then we had 300 kids come to our activity centre on the weekend of the tournament, which is three times more than last year. “We achieved many of our KPIs (key performance indicators) we set as far as spectators, media coverage and things like that were concerned. “It’s certainly been a success for us with growth across many of these areas.” With crowd number up, particularly on the weekend, more volunteers had to be “roped in” to provide safe passage for the players. “We did have to get some extra marshals out around the leading groups to help the players get through tunnels and things like that,” Bates said. For the record, 50 volunteers were needed – 36 from the public and 14 rules officials. That wasn’t enough and is something Golf Queensland will look to grow next year. “We had plans to do hole-by-hole scoring for each group, but we just didn’t have the volunteers,” Bates said.

Scott has the balls, but Damien wins

Crowds at this year’s Queensland Open were up 40 per cent on last year, with many juniors introduced to the game. “We will have a chat with those who did volunteer and look at ways we can entice others to get involved. “Is it that the club members aren’t aware of it?” he asked. “Do we have to change our communication strategy or are they aware of it, but need better enticements?” Inside Golf ran into Charlie Earp at the 19th hole and he suggested golf clubs could play a bigger part in promoting the tournament. “A couple of months before the Queensland Open, club captains should be mentioning it at club presentations and urging members to attend,” Earp said. Anyway, this year there was a buzz on the fairways and around the greens, especially with Cameron Smith’s fan base. Every time Smith, who tied for third, saved par or made a birdie a loud cheer went up.

“He has brought all his mates along,” Smith’s father Des told me as we approached the ninth green on the final day. One of the nice things about the Qld Open is officials allow the gallery to walk the fairways. That allows them to listen in to players and caddies discussing an approach shot. “We had some concerns about noise and how the players would react especially with kids around,” Bates said. “But we spoke to the players afterwards and there wasn’t a negative comment. It’s all very positive with that type of interaction.” Isuzu Qld Open winner Andrew Dodt gave the Queensland fans plenty to cheer about when birdied three of the last four holes to claim the TB Hunter Cup. •

As part of Srixon’s support of the championship, each player was invited to receive a dozen Z-Star golf balls and compete in a separate nett event. Scott Bretherton from The Brisbane Golf Club shot consistent nett rounds of 70-70-70 (nett) to take home a year’s supply (12 x 12 dozen boxes) of the Srixon Z Star golf balls. Bretherton and championship winner Damien Jordan were two of 122 players that chose to play the Srixon ball at this year’s championship. In the Upper Mid-Amateur Division (44-54 years) Brett Baker (Royal Pines) finished on 228 (+12) to edge Coolangatta-Tweed Golf Club member Scott Mayo on a countback after he finished runner-up on 228. In the Srixon teams’ event section, it was a close battle between Toowoomba Golf Club and Windaroo Lakes with Toowoomba’s Jason McWilliam, Andrew Munson and Justin Shine running out winners.

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

from the ceo

Playing for the Green and Gold Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

ith our Australian guys having so much success on the world stage in 2014, particularly on the PGA Tour, I am sure that there are many golf fans in Australia who can’t wait until next year’s Presidents Cup to come around. In Women’s golf there is no equivalent to the Presidents Cup and there very few occasions where Australians and other major forces in the women’s game like the Koreans and Japanese have the opportunity to play for their country. The Solheim Cup, which is the Women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup, has become one of the biggest Women’s sporting events in the world since its inception in 1991 and it is only those from the USA and Europe who are afforded this unique opportunity in the women’s game. With the Olympic Games coming up in 2016 I know that many of our Australian players have publicly expressed their desire to be a part of the Australian team in Rio. Some of our ladies have even changed their playing schedules two years out to try to maximise their chances of qualifying, chasing places in the events which offer the most Rolex Rankings points. The US LPGA Tour saw an opportunity to create a Teams event in the Women’s game leading up to the Olympics, and in July 2014 we witnessed the inaugural “International

Crown”, a Women’s International teams event with eight countries competing in a round robin format, the winners of which would be “crowned” the top nation in Women’s Golf. When the event was first announced there was a degree of uncertainty if the players would buy into it, whether the lure of playing for your country (as well as the US$100,000 each for the winning team) would be enough to attract the best players in the world. These fears however proved to be unfounded when the teams lined up at the picturesque Caves Valley Country Club in Maryland. Every player who qualified for the event took their place in their respective team, and there was no team more excited to represent their country than the Aussie team of Karrie Webb, Katherine Kirk, Lindsey Wright and Minjee Lee, who was the only amateur to qualify for the event. Our girls faced the might of the Republic of Korea in the opening match and were satisfied with splitting the result one match each. Minjee and Karrie defeated IK Kim and Na Yeon Choi while Lindsey and Katherine had the unenviable task of taking on major winners Inbee Park and So Yeon Ryu. Both matches were of the highest quality and could the combination of Kirk and Wright holed some more putts down the stretch the result could well have been 2-0. The second day was a disappointing result, Minjee and Karrie were not firing on all cylinders against the strong Japanese pairing of Mika Miyazato and Mamiko Higa, while Katherine and Lindsey halved their match after being 6 up with 7 holes to play against Ai Miyayato and Sakura Yokomine. This result

Karrie Webb and Minjee Lee at the International Crown left our team squarely behind the eight ball needing to win both matches the following day against Sweden to qualify for Sunday’s finale. The experienced Solheim Cup duo of Ana Nordqvist and Caroline Hedwall were always going to be tough opponents for Webb and Lee, the match was of a really high quality from tee to green but our girls couldn’t buy a putt and with Kirk and Wright losing to Lindberg and Parmlid the week was over for the Aussie team. All four of our girls were very disappointed but gave their all and as you would expect fought until the very end. Matchplay over 18

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The event proved to be a huge success and was won by the Spanish team of Carlota Ciganda, Azahara Munoz, Beatriz Recaria and Belen Mozo who celebrated long into the night in truly Spanish style! Congratulations to the LPGA for showing the foresight to create an event like this and if the first year is any indicator the players are already counting the days until the next “International Crown” in Chicago in 2016.

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from the ceo

Golf fans in for a treat Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

t’s hard not to be excited by the way things are shaping up for this year’s Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club from 27-30 November. The field is red-hot. It brings together the best in the world and the hottest talents in international golf. I’m pleased to confirm we’ve also been able to secure World Number 13 American Jordan Spieth to add to the excitement in Sydney. Spieth finished second at The Masters in April and it followed his breakthrough win last year on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic. With the win, Spieth became the youngest player to win on the PGA Tour in 82 years. We also recently confirmed World Number 2 Adam Scott would return to Sydney for the Open, looking to make amends for his narrow loss on the last hole at Royal Sydney. “I finished such an amazing month on such a disappointing note, and the result just gutted me for weeks in not winning the Australian Open,” Scott said to reporter Bernie McGuire recently. “I will be going back there with a chip on my shoulder. I don’t often get upset but I was really mad at myself because I was absolutely gutted in not being able to win last year.”

Jordan Spieth (Photo: USGA) “So I will be playing at The Australian Club with real intent to make amends for what happened at Royal Sydney,” Scott continued. Adam also highlighted how fortunate we are that Rory has agreed to return to Sydney. Naturally most players want to defend their titles but we’re delighted Rory will come back and go head-to-head with Adam again. “It’s great that Rory has decided to return to defend his title and all credit to him because after the season he’s had this year it will be huge for golf in Australia that he’s decided to return,” Scott said of McIlroy.

“Rory is doing Aussie golf a huge favour and it’s great the hottest guy in golf is going to come back down to Sydney and it’s good Australian golf is attracting that talent as it will be two years in a row we’re going to have one of the best players there is.” We’re also looking forward to having World Number 9 Jason Day back in Sydney - making it three of the world’s top 10 players in action in Sydney. All things considered, it’s a massive week in store for Australian golf fans. If you can’t be there in person, the Emirates Australian Open will be broadcast live on the Seven Network across all four days.

A spectacular Summer ahead round of the tournament. A well deserved win.

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

he 2014 PGA Tour of Australasia season got back underway last month with the inaugural Fiji International restarting the chase for the 2014 Norman Von Nida Order of Merit medal. In front of one of the most spectacular backdrops ever seen for a tournament of this stature, long-time PGA Professional Steven Jeffress claimed the title at Natadola Bay taking home the biggest cheque of his career. Congratulations must go to ‘Jeffro’ for one of the most composed final rounds we’ve seen. In persistent wind, Steve carded 13 consecutive (and hard-earned) pars in the final round and finished as the only player to be under par for each

The Fiji International kickstarted what will now lead into the summer of golf, with player announcements now beginning for the end of year tournaments. So far it’s been confirmed that World No. 1 Rory McIlroy will be returning to Australian shores in 2014, as will World No. 2 Adam Scott, Jason Day, Jason Dufner, Victor Dubuisson, Geoff Ogilvy and a host of other Australian and international stars still to be confirmed. In great news for the fans, Adam Scott will play three of our Tour’s biggest events, the Emirates Australian Open, the Australian Masters and the Australian PGA Championship. It’s a wonderful reflection on Adam that he continues to support our events each year and I’m sure many will be cheering him on as he tries to go one better than in 2013 when he came so agonisingly close to the ‘Triple Crown.’

Outside of the tournament scene, golf rounds are on the increase around the country as the spring and summer months provide all of us with the opportunity to dust off the golf clubs. If you’re inspired by the recent success of our Pros and think you might need a helping hand with your own game before you get back out there this summer, be sure to check in with your local PGA Professional who will be able to put you back on the right path. If you’re not familiar with your local Pro, head to findapgapro.com.au so we can put you in contact. Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has supported the re-launched MyGolf program over the last few months. Working alongside Golf Australia, the program is a big step forward for the future growth of Australian golf and we hope to see many more juniors out and about at clubs and facilities in the coming months as a result. www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

industry news

Coca-Cola Amatil sponsorship swings behind all levels of golf Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

OCA-COLA Amatil (CCA), which recently agreed to continue its commitment to professional golf in Australia by way of their major partnership with the PGA of Australia, is a pacesetter in sports sponsorship with its unique global role. No other worldwide sports sponsor contributes so comprehensively to events in the US and Australia. Coca-Cola’s sponsorship events feature not only the most elite superstars of golf on the US Tour but also the humble PGA club professional from all parts of Australia. Rated the world’s most valuable brand in a global study by Interbrand in 2011, CocaCola tees up its support at every level of golf – from the year-ending $8 million Tour Championship by Coca-Cola in the US last month, to a wide variety of supported events within Australia. Apart from the CCA Invitational, CCA also has varied sponsorship positions at the Australian PGA Championship, the NSW, Victorian, West Australian and Queensland PGA Championships, PGA Professionals Championship (for PGA Club Pros), Australian PGA Seniors Championship, support of local Pro-Am events and the National Futures Championship (for PGA Trainees). CCA also is the official beverage supplier to Golf Australia, amateur golf’s controlling body. More than 150 PGA club professional have competed over the past four months in seven state qualifiers to reach the National Final of the Coca-Cola Invitational which will be staged on Queensland’s Gold Coast in December

alongside the Australian PGA Championship. The Coca-Cola Invitational has been staged for the past five years and is played under an 18-hole four-ball best ball Stableford format with PGA club professionals teaming up with their club managers. The winning pair from each of the state finals is invited to compete at the National Final. All professionals in state events will also go into the draw to win two return Delta Air Lines flights to a chosen US destination, including two return flights from the winner’s nearest capital city to Sydney. The PGA club professional who wins the CCA Plate (an individual Stableford competition) receives two return Delta Air

Lines flights to a US destination, plus flights from their nearest capital city to Sydney. Five years on from CCA’s formal entry into the Australian golf market in 2009 with its major partnership with the PGA of Australia, both parties look forward to another five years to the end of 2018 with a five year option clause also in play. “Coca-Cola Amatil has brought great strength to the Australian golf industry over the last five years,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia. “Coca-Cola Amatil is committed to promoting and growing the game of golf whilst supporting our PGA Membership in all facets of their business.” Shane Richardson, CCA’s Director Licensed & Alcohol, said that on behalf of the Australian Beverages team he was delighted to extend the successful partnership. “Coca-Cola and the PGA are two powerful global brands which will continue to deliver strong results to both parties,” he said. “Our unrivalled portfolio of beverages is able to continue to offer great choice to golfers and opportunities for profits for the golfing channel. The golfing market is a prestigious and valuable one for us and we look forward to delivering our great brands and customer service for the next five years.” Australian PGA Professionals are the largest distribution channel in the Australian golf industry. Throughout 2014 the PGA and CCA are aiming to distribute over 500,000 cases of product through Australian golf facilities. Currently, CCA boasts a 52 per cent market share of green grass facilities with a resident PGA Professional. •

Middle Ridge back on track TOOWOOMBA’S Middle Ridge Golf Club general manager Steve Owen has never denied the golf course suffered when Mother Nature visited last summer. “The pristine bent grass greens the layout is renowned for suffered from prolonged heat stress and the result was devastating,” he said. But that was last summer. Now, thanks to the care and hard work put in by Superintendent Tony Jonas and his team, the greens have recovered to 90 per cent of their previous best condition. “With the weather warming up, it won’t be long before the greens are back to their best,” Owen added. “In fact, last month 60 PGA professionals teed it up in the Toowoomba BMW Pro-Am Classic and several remarked that the greens recovery program was most impressive. Owen threw down the gauntlet to golfers to visit and see for themselves. “The rumours circulating about Middle Ridge are way over exaggerated,” he said. “By the end of the recovery program in October, the club will have purchased and laid 700 square metres of bent grass. The CUB Middle Ridge Challenge is on the third Friday of each month. The nomination fee is just $20, which includes a gourmet burger for lunch and offers a great first prize of overnight accommodation at the Gold Coast with two rounds of golf at Emerald Lakes in a shared cart.

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October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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industry people

Thinking differently, moving the needle and “Lofting Up” How TaylorMade adidas Golf scored a ‘Homer’ in Australia Richard Fellner

with the hopes of building on the business’ untapped potential.

richard@insidegolf.com.au

ong known for their innovative thinking and their mission to “Create the Best Performing Golf Products in the World” the TaylorMade adidas Golf Company remains a global leader of golf and sports technology. The company, which comprises TaylorMade, adidas, Adams Golf and Ashworth, not only produces some of the industry’s most advanced equipment and apparel, but is also known for its “out of the box” thinking around growing the game of golf; notably with the company’s former CEO (now President) Mark King famously introducing “Hack Golf” to the industry; calling for the game’s rules to be eased for social players, including relaxed technology restrictions, tees placed halfway down the fairway to shorten up ever-lengthening courses, etc. Indeed, the company has always aimed to “Think differently” from the rest. With the recent appointment of new TMaG Pacific MD, Simon Homer, it appears that the company will soon be ‘challenging the norm’ on our shores as well. Homer, the former Head of Adams Golf in Europe, took on the top job here in Australia

“I really enjoyed Adams,” says Homer. “But the opportunity to come to Australia and run this business here was exciting. Not only because it is a place I’ve visited a number of times, but it’s also quite close to the European mindset. It’s a vast country but it still has that small relationship-based industry. So I felt with my skill set that I could come and make a bit of a difference here.” Though he has only just begun in the role, Homer, who brought his wife and two young children from the UK to Australia in July, has a few main goals that he is aiming to implement in the short term. Among these is for the business to better connect the brand with consumers and retailers, and make more noise earlier. “In the last couple of launches, we probably haven’t made enough noise prior to the launch. We’ve relied on sending it to our retail partners and then making the noise. Looking back, where we’ve been successful is making the noise prior to the product launches. So now we intend to engage with the consumer much earlier. People expect us to bring out the latest technology, but they want to know about it soon.”

Simon Homer, the new Managing Director of TaylorMade adidas Golf’s Australia division, with some of the company’s revolutionary new products. “We need to engage with the consumer again, a lot closer. As a global brand we’re very good at that, but locally we haven’t been as close.” Additionally, Homer aims to boost the retail side of the business. “From a retail perspective, we can get closer to our retailer partners. We have at times been distant and I believe we can represent the strength of our brands in a much more prominent way.”

An example of the “future” retail goals of TMaG can be seen in the TaylorMade Performance Lab and showroom at the Melbourne Golf Academy, which Homer believes is important to showcasing the brand. “When we started at MGA, the whole idea was to show people–retailers and consumers– how we would like to be represented. It may not be possible to roll that out in the whole industry, but that is our idea of what we should look like. Our Lab, from a technology standpoint and a fitting standpoint,

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industry people is revolutionary. It’s best in class, best in the industry. A large perecentage of golfers who come and have a fitting in our lab will go ahead and purchase one of our products through their respective golf pro or favourite retailer. One, because we’ve explained the technology and proven to them the gains that they can get, but Two, because of the whole experience. It’s not only about producing revolutionary products to the marketplace, but it’s also about providing a nice environment when people go and try out the products.”

golfers cool. Because we’ve got the ability of this big business and R&D teams, we can bring that into golf and stay ahead of our competition. So I see massive market potential for adidas here in Australia.

And the products, Homer believe, are critical to TaylorMade’s future success.

Like their ‘Loft Up’ technology in their golf clubs, moving forward, Homer reveals that TMaG is also aiming sky high as a company.

“We are known for our technologies. Our latest technology is focused around ‘Lofting Up’, which is very different to what we’ve all been taught or used to. Our current driver, the SLDR—the characteristics and the weighting of that product, centre of gravity, and the low spin effect—means we can really get some yardage gains, but with greater forgiveness due to the increased loft. While the golf ball is at a point where we are right up against the envelope in terms of regulations, we’re still continuing to add meaningful distance with our products. And that’s where we see ourselves, as a leader in new technologies.”

“This is what our companies are about. TaylorMade, adidas...they’re about knocking down barriers. They’re about challenging tradition. They’re about doing things differently, and asking ‘how do we move the needle?’. And I think we’ve got a massive opportunity.”

“I see our business as having significant advantages over our competitors. Ideally, we would like to be known as ‘The First Modernday golf company’. That’s acknowledging the fact that the last 10 years are going to be very different to the next 10 years. It’s not just the financial crisis or the state of the game driving that. We need to think differently and more modern. And we need to operate more differently as a business. The TaylorMade Performance Lab and showroom at Melbourne Golf Academy is a shining example of how TMaG looks to showcase their brands.

“This is what our companies are about. TaylorMade, adidas...they’re about knocking down barriers. They’re about challenging tradition. They’re about doing things differently, and asking ‘how do we move the needle?’ And I think we’ve got a massive opportunity.” Simon Homer

While TaylorMade equipment is the focal point of gear for the company in Australia, another goal for Homer is to boost the brand awareness of Adams Golf locally. “The Adams brand awareness in some states is very limited. So we need to grow that. It has great products, and is very strong in the senior and ladies side of the business, in hybrids and in integrated packaged sets, and it operates in spaces where TaylorMade doesn’t exist, so it’s a real complement to the brand. Adams will certainly create some advantages where we can combine it with TaylorMade to have a stronger combined market share.”

As for the adidas side, Homer also sees massive potential for growth and synergies. “We’ve got some real key advantages on the adidas side. We have the benefit of a multibillion dollar business that has phenomenal R&D teams. Watch this space for revolutionary technology that we will launch in golf shoes soon which we believe will ignite the

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footwear market. This will be a further step to us fulfilling a trend by answering the demands of golfers who seek a more performance based sports shoes than a traditional shoe. That’s an example of how we can really leverage that global adidas business into a niche industry. “climachill is another adidas technology whereby we can use that concept to keep

“What we’re doing globally and locally, we’re putting a team of people together that get up in the morning and think differently. And I’d like to be the conduit of that, and lead our business into a more modern way of thinking. We’ve got to separate our business away from the more traditional brands in our industry.” In addition, Homer believes that fun and excitement are key to both the success of TaylorMade adidas Golf as well as the golf industry in general. “We’ve got a responsibility as a brand to excite the marketplace. Golf is going through some tough times. We need to excite people and give them a reason to play golf.” By all accounts, Homer and TaylorMade adidas Golf are on the right track in that regard. •

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general managers

A woman’s touch at Castle Hill Ellis might come from a non-golfing background, but she is an accomplished horse rider and played competitive softball until a few years ago when a wayward ball smashed into her face.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HEN Melissa Ellis took on the general manager’s role at Castle Hill Country Club two years ago, a few bold members gave her the moniker “non-golfing sheila” but it didn’t take long for the sobriquet to wear off.

That resulted in a depressed cheek that forced her to quit the sport. Now Ellis is taking golf lessons from club pro Shane McLeod and often sneaks out to play a few holes late in the day.

“I came from a non-golfing background so when I first started here that’s what they called me, but it was not said in a derogatory way,” she laughed. Ellis might have lacked experience in the field of golf when she joined the Sydney club but hard work, common sense, passion and a dogged determination has worked wonders. She quickly gained the trust and admiration from the club’s 1500 members because of her “open door policy”. “Everyone has access to me and I am out and about on the course and leading the club from the front at all times,” she said.

The New South Wales Open at Castle Hill Country Club attracted huge galleries. INSET: General manager Melissa Ellis and/or watch the golf.

“I tried a few of the golf clubs, but it was difficult because I was a non-golfer and a woman. “So, I went to Castle Hill Country Club. They have a progressive board and gave me a shot.” Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength and recently posted a tidy profit.

“We put a lot of thought into getting people along to watch a golf tournament that normally wouldn’t go and we found people were willing to embrace it.” Even the club’s members, who oftentimes object to giving up their course for a week, embraced the concept.

“It’s important the members can pull me aside and have a chat. It certainly stops things from escalating if you are there at the coalface.”

“I think it has been an advantage because everyone in the club knows golf and having someone that is more business and commercially focused, I think it might have been beneficial,” Ellis suggested.

I ask Ellis if she has become “Queen of the Castle” (Hill), but she was quick to say, “I don’t think so”.

In the past 18 months, Ellis has overseen a makeover renovation that has Castle Hill looking fresh and new.

From Newcastle, Ellis started her working life in hospitality with the Hoyts Corporation.

“We are enjoying good success with our corporate clients,” Ellis said.

Now Ellis is in talks with Australian Ladies’ Professional Golf boss Karen Lunn and is lobbying the NSW Government in the hope of staging a major women’s tournament at the club.

She later owned a successful catering business before moving into hospitality education – writing training resources for the Club Managers’ Association and private colleges.

“David Andrews manages our corporate golf and this area of the business is going well.

“Queensland and Victoria have big (women’s) tournaments and NSW has nothing,” she said.

“We have the best chef and the best food and people who come here really enjoy the experience.”

“I moved into club management almost by default,” she said.

Tournament golf is an area close to Ellis’ heart and she is particularly proud of hosting the NSW Open.

“We want to create a Ladies Tour Championship and make it an international event. It is hard for ladies golf and I think they get a raw deal.”

“When I was teaching, clubs would ask me to advise them and they hired me as a consultant. “I worked for The American Club for four years, but I have always been relatively sporty and wanted to get into sports management at club level.

“We had 220 volunteers and people worked hard to make it work. “Unfortunately, the rain spoiled it for two days but I loved it and enjoyed doing it.”

“I love the NSW Open because we try to put a different slant on it. We had an Eat-Street and an international food precinct,” she explained. “We tried to make it an event for everybody where families could come and participate

In January, Castle Hill will host a (Sir Nick) Faldo Series qualifying event in the lead up to the Asian final to be held in China. If Ellis has her way, Castle Hill will host a final in the years ahead. “We are just trying to holistically help golf and we don’t mind putting the work in,” Ellis said.”

“I really like being out on the course … it’s heaven on earth,” she said. “I also enjoy playing at other courses as I am interested in industry trends.” Now Ellis has started meeting regularly with other general managers. Initially, she was reluctant to attend meetings because “I didn’t want any outside influence”. “I just want to make my own vision.” Part of the vision is to build a conference centre. “We are in the biggest growth area in Sydney and enjoy a magnificent vista over a valley in the Hills District. “We have just opened a new bistro and the local community is enjoying it along with the members. It’s going really well and is a big winner.” For Ellis, the formula is to offer a great product and a business model based on sound principles. Of course, the friendly, loyal and efficient staff ensure members and visitors enjoy a warm and friendly welcome. “I have really great team of people around me,” Ellis added. Away from the rigors of a hectic work schedule, Ellis enjoys travelling (East Africa is her favourite destination), bushwalking and spending time with two adult daughters. “We are big into food and wine so we go out every weekend and have something nice,” she said. •

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cover story

The ‘Inside Goss’ on Oliver 2014 has been an eventful year for Oliver Goss. The 20-year-old rising star played in his first US Open, his first US Masters (taking home the Silver Cup as Low Amateur), turned professional and even and held his first 36-hole lead in a PGA Tour event. Garrett Johnston sat down with the Fremantle native to discuss his year, how he’s adapting to life as a touring pro in the States and the challenges that lay ahead. Oliver Goss at last year’s US Amateur (Photo: USGA/Chris Keane) What’s it been like since turning pro? There’s a lot of things you have to learn early when you turn professional. You’ve just got to be able to catch on as quick as you can and adjust as well as possible. Pro golf is nothing like amateur golf. You’ve got to make the big step and try and play well early because these guys are so good out here.

be one shot out of missing the cut. Everything is so close. There’s not much difference between shooting even and a couple under, just a couple putts here and there. It’s just every single shot means so much out here. How does the perception of being a pro compare to the reality? Well leading up to my decision to turn pro, after the Masters, I realized that if I play well out here I can contend. I definitely proved it at Congressional (Quicken Loans National) I think. It’s out there for me and I just got to put it together. I need to improve on some

How is pro golf so different than amateur golf? Everyone when you’re younger tells you that ‘every shot counts’ and it really does out here. One shot here can mean the world and you can

things. I feel that if I do play well I can for sure contend and who knows what can happen. I think I’m a pretty good ball-striker so I can keep it in check with my ball-striking. If I have a poor round with my putter I’m still in the mix and I’m making cuts. How do you feel you’ve dealt with the challenges? I’ve played a lot of professional events, especially in Australia, and that helped me prepare for this and I think I’ve adjusted well. I haven’t necessarily putted the way I would have liked. Putting is key. I just need to

find some rhythm with the putter. I’ve been striking the ball well. Are the greens that much different? Yes, that’s another difference between pro and amateur golf, the pin locations. Even in Australia the pins are so much different even in college events over here. They’re a lot tougher and then to PGA Tour level is on another planet. Pins are so very tough and just the rough around the greens makes it really difficult as well. What’s been a highlight for you this year? Probably leading the Quicken Loans

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cover story National at Congressional after two rounds. Playing in the last group with Marc Leishman… that was a great experience for me. It was cool, you know, honestly I didn’t feel too indifferent about it. I didn’t feel nervous. I just took it as it came. It was just one of those days where you get an odd bounce here and there and it just adds up and you don’t play very well. But I think that’s the biggest highlight for me so far. How do you feel you’ve managed your expectations? Obviously I expected that I wanted to play a little bit better but what’s done is done. I can only look forward into the future and just learn from the mistakes each day and try to get better the next day. What do you take away from the Masters? It’s a huge honour for me. I know I’m going to be looking back in 20 years and going ‘that was a huge moment for me’ and I will take that with me to my grave, and it’s something that I’m never going to forget. It was the biggest highlight of my amateur career and to finish off my amateur career like that was great. What was it like to actually play Augusta after seeing it on TV? I played quite a few practice rounds before and one leading up to it. So it was really special with the grandstands and the people all watching me. It was just a really wonderful experience in every aspect. What’s your game-plan for the near-term? Just to play golf and to play as well as possible and that’s all you can really do. Try and capitalize on some opportunities and hopefully play well. If worse comes to worse go to Q-school and just try and play my way into some status for next year. As best a Tour as I can get. It will be wherever it takes me. I’m just going to play my best. If I end up playing the PGA Tour it’s a dream come true and if I make the Web.com Tour I can sort of work hard for a year and get out to the PGA Tour the year after that. In your early travels this year on the PGA Tour what places stick out in your memory? I really enjoyed Montreal (Quebec, Canada). It’s one of those really great cities. We stayed right downtown and we could walk to everything. It was just a really cool, old, historic place. I saw the markets and it was awesome. Washington DC was kind of cool as I got to visit all the monuments and that was really great to see a bit of American history. Who have become your friends on Tour? I’ve really stuck with the Australian guys and I know them quite well. Jason Day and the guys. We take care of each other. I’m definitely looking forward to knowing more players too. We just have lunch or dinner. I went bowling with Nathan Green in Montreal and that was really fun. It

Goss accepting the Silver Cup as Low Amateur at this year’s US Masters (Photo: Getty) takes the pressure off. We all have a lot of things to talk about from back home which is a rare thing over here, so it’s really great. We can relate with stuff like Australian football and it’s really great fun. What are some of your favorite hobbies? I’m playing golf so much, it’s pretty much my whole life. But when I’m not playing golf I really just have to hang out. I spend time with my girlfriend (Jessie Campbell). We’re roommates and teammates. We go to the pool, watch a movie, something very casual. Did you meet Jessie at Tennessee University? I met her about two weeks after I got there to classes (2012). I didn’t even know what happened. It’s all grey. I would have been 18. It’s been about a year and a half now. It was right from the get-go. It’s been great and I’m really happy. Anything about American culture that surprises you or that you enjoy? Yeah, when I first got to college it was kind of a culture shock but it was just the little things. Being in Tennessee, the southern thing was really new to me with the accents and the sweet tea and the pulled pork, all that kind of stuff. But I really enjoyed it. The football season took me by storm and I’m in love with it now. I had one season of football and I’m hooked. Why are you hooked to an American sport? It’s just the passion, it’s the Tennessee spirit, it’s just such an exciting sport and you can’t not get into it once you’re there in person. It was a real experience my first football game. It was absolute crazy. The stadium had 104,000 or something. It’s just absolutely crazy-loud and you can’t not get behind it. Golf takes you so far from home, what is your attraction to it? I started playing when I was two and it’s just been the last 18 years. I’ve obviously had some other sports here and there that I played but it was always golf that I kind of sacrificed other things for and I knew I was good at it. And I really enjoy it so that’s been fulfilling. I like that it’s an individual sport and it’s all on me to perform. You can’t rely on anyone else; it’s all up to you. I just like the competition too. I’m competing with

the best in the world. It’s been a dream for me since I was a little kid. Hopefully it will all come true.

IT OUT

Do you have any superstitions? Everyone has their pre-round routine. I don’t think it’s any kind of superstition. I just focus on every day and try to be as prepared as I can for the day. Any pre-round meal? Whatever’s in the lunch bar I have a crack at then go to town. Nothing in particular. On the course are there any common swing thoughts you go through? As of late I’ve been concentrating a lot on not rushing my transition from backswing to downswing. It can get rushed every now and then and it gets a little antsy through the ball. So I’ve just been concentrating on the smooth transition but that’s about it. You don’t really want to think about it on the course. I really get it all out on the range, before I tee off and even a couple days before the tournament. You want to free up your mind on the course. I try not to think about too much while I’m swinging. How often do you plan to go back to Australia? It all depends on how I play. Ideally I’d love to get home. I’d love to play the Aussie tournaments. See my family, see my friends, and that would be great. And I can do that if I really play well the next few months. Are there any favorite courses in Australia? I would have to say my home course Royal Fremantle and Royal Melbourne. You can’t beat them. I’ve been a member at my home club since I was six. So the members are really supportive there. Royal Melbourne is such a great course, Australia’s number one course for a long time now. I really enjoy it. • Garrett Johnston is a golf journalist based in California. He covers the game on an international level for Inside Golf, New Zealand Golf Magazine, Today’s Golfer UK, and Golf World UK. On a US level he contributes to PGATour.com, Links Magazine, and the Austin-American Statesman among others. Follow him on Twitter at @johnstongarrett. www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

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on tour

Minjee sets sights on ‘Fame’ particularly proud of her competitive play at the US Women’s Open.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

“The atmosphere around the US Women’s Open was amazing and being in those final groups on the weekend was a great experience,” she told Inside Golf.

ER short-term goal is to secure an LPGA Tour card, but Minjee Lee’s ultimate dream is to join Karrie Webb in world golf’s Hall of Fame.

Other highlights include winning the US Junior Championship and two Australian Amateur Championships, WA Amateur, Singapore Ladies Amateur and the Tasmanian Women’s 72-hole stroke play title.

That dream is a long way off for Lee, who turned professional after receiving an invitation to play in the Evian Championship in France – the LPGA Tour’s newest major.

“All the big tournaments I have played in have been highlights,” she said.

If the Perth teenager eventually becomes a Hall of Fame inductee, she will become only the second Australian woman to achieve the honour.

A naturally happy person, Lee was aged 10 when her mum introduced her to the game. “Because my mum played golf, I went to the local club and started in the junior clinics,” said Lee, a member of Royal Fremantle Golf Club.

For the record, just five Australians have been inducted into the Hall of Fame – Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Kel Nagle, Walter Travis and Webb.

Her brother Minwoo, too, is an accomplished golfer and is a member of the West Australian state team.

“My primary goal is to get my card on the LPGA Tour and start my professional career well, but my long-term goal is to get into the Hall of Fame or win the Grand Slam (all major tournaments),” Lee said.

coming third at Pinehurst (US Women’s Open) after three rounds and only hit nine greens a round. I think her chipping is understated.

“I don’t think you could have a better career than that.

“Minjee’s putting is also good and that’s why I think she doesn’t have any weaknesses.

“I’m excited about making the move to the pro ranks and everything that comes with that,” she said.

“I think she will be a world top-10 professional player.”

Lee’s coach of six years, Ritchie Smith, believes his 18-year-old protégé has the allround game to make it to the top in the playfor-pay ranks.

Lee reached dizzy heights as an amateur and was awarded the prestigious Mark H McCormack Medal as the leading women’s amateur in the 2014 World Amateur Golf ranking.

“Her game is really solid and I don’t think she has any weaknesses,” he said. “Mentally, Minjee is not afraid of competing and winning, which we have seen through her short career. “She has been able to contend and is not too worried about any situation. “For her size (165cm or 5’5”), she hits the ball quite long, is very accurate and her length control is outstanding.

Last month, she took out the Ivie Temperley Consistency Trophy regarded as the holy grail of WA amateur golf.

OF MEMBE

Over the years, the pair has played friendly matches against each other with no clear winner, according to Minjee. Lee is an outstanding individual. Even when under pressure on the golf course, she exudes confidence and always appears calm. “Getting nervous in big events is human nature, but I think I am pretty good at handling pressure,” she said. “I am a happy person, but not happy go lucky. There is fight in me, but I don’t show my emotions when I am playing. People say ‘Minjee is so relaxed’, but there is determination there.” Says Smith: “What you get is what you see with Minjee. “She is a real people person but, most importantly, Minjeee is extremely diligent. She does everything she needs to do and she is a really nice person to be around.” •

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A career littered with highlights, Lee is

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“I have had a great season and played some good golf so I’m really excited to be number one in the ranking.”

She successfully defended the Australian Women’s Amateur title and made an impact in the professional game with top-25 finishes in the US Women’s Open and Kraft Nabisco Championship.

“It is an honour for me to be awarded this medal and an achievement I will always remember in my career.

That’s not the only award Lee has received of late.

N LLE

A CH Y T A N RE RY D E F E DIF EV

“Finishing my amateur career as the world number one is a real honour. I’m very proud and happy to win the McCormack Medal,” she said.

She topped the ranking for 26 weeks and receiving the medal caps off a stellar season.

As an amateur, Lee tied for 11th in the Australian Women’s Open, was fifth in the

“Her chipping is also very good. She was

“He is a very good player,” she said. “There is no sibling rivalry between us – we get along very well together.”

NSW Women’s Open, was runner-up in the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters and won the Victorian Women’s Open.

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on tour

On the tee with Minjee Lee

Women (finally) welcome at St Andrews The membership of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has voted overwhelmingly in favour of welcoming women members for the first time. More than three quarters of the club’s 2,500 global members took part in the September 18 ballot, with a decisive 85% voting for women to become members. “This vote has immediate effect and I can confirm that The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is now a mixed membership club,” said Peter Dawson, Secretary of the Club. “The membership has also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months. Photos: USGA

My favourite club in the bag is … eight-iron or driver. The strength of my game is … nothing specific – my all-round game. A tournament I’d like to win is … the US Women’s Open. My best ever score is a … eight-under par 64 at Royal Hobart. A golfer I admire is … I just enjoy watching all the players. Favourite golf course other than Royal Fremantle? Lake Merced Golf Club (Daly City, California) where I won the US Girls’ Championship. Driving or putting? Putting. Walking or using a golf cart? Walking. It gives you momentum. The best thing about golf is … travelling. My most memorable golfing moment was … sinking the final putt to win the US Girls’ Junior. The worst thing about golf is … missing short putts. My worst score on one hole is a … probably a nine or 10 when I was younger. Another sport I’d like to be good at is … tennis or ping pong (table tennis).

My favourite television show is … The Voice. Favourite music? I just listen to whatever is on the radio. Water or soft drink? Water. Favourite junk food? Maltesers. As a child, I wanted to be a … swimmer. I was a good swimmer when I was eight or nine and did state swimming. If you were playing golf against your best friend, would you go easy on him or her? No, because if he or she were my best friend they would be as competitive as I am. If you had a two-metre putt to win a major tournament and could ask any golfer in the world to take it, who would you choose or would you take it yourself? I’d take it myself because it would be my moment so I might as well take the chances and do it. What is the most important quality you look for in friends? Being caring and have a good personality and someone who is comfortable to talk to and you can be yourself around. Name three things you can’t live without? My dog, my grandma and golf.

“This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years and I am confident that the club will continue to do so in future with the support of all its members, both women and men.” The vote comes two years after Augusta National, site of the US Masters, changed its policy on women members, admitting Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members. The results were welcomed by the industry’s top bodies. “This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game,” said a statement by the LPGA. In addition, The PGA of America welcomed the announcement “Women represent the biggest growth market in the sport, and every step to make golf more inclusive is good for the game. The PGA of America is thrilled that the R&A is welcoming women into its organization, and loudly applauds its decision.”

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www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

tour talk

Patience has indeed been a virtue with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

t the end of last month’s article, I mentioned that I felt that there were going to be a few good finishes on the horizon. Well, I was right, winning the inaugural Fiji International at the beautiful Natadola Bay. It was a course that I had played before so I knew it well. The course is not all about hitting great shots as it is about missing the ball in the right areas. In the first round I was first off the first tee at 6 30am. It’s early but when you are playing a course on the ocean, you want an early time to beat the wind. I played great from tee to green, shooting 3-under-par, 69. It was a strange day weather-wise, as there was next to no wind (95% of the time, the wind there is blowing around 30kph). It was a solid start but I would have liked to hole a couple more putts. I knew if I stayed patient, they would drop. An 11am tee time greeted me the second day and the wind had arrived! A strong SE wind was blowing which was great for me. I grew up in the North Coast of NSW in Port Macquarie where the wind blows most days, so I learnt to hit low controlled shots. I started a little shaky, but came home strong on the back-nine to card a 2 under par 70. This had me in T3 position. I would be lying if said that I wasn’t little nervous waking up on Saturday morning. I look out the hotel window when I woke and saw the Palm trees bending from left to right again, which meant another grinding day at the office. I felt like I hadn’t made any putts the first two days, but I made up for it in the 3rd round. I didn’t strike the ball from tee to green as well as I did earlier in the week but my putting was great. I holed a 50ft putt on the 10th hole and four more from around 15ft which was certainly a surprise given my efforts so far in 2014. Golf is an

amazing game but it will frustrate you like no other, but if you can stay patient and believe good things will come, they normally do. A 3-under-par back-nine had me shooting 69, and suddenly I was tied for the lead. I knew deep down that Sunday was one of the biggest days in my Professional career. Even walking to breakfast I had thoughts of “imagine winning” or “don’t stuff it up!” But I kept working my thinking back into the present. I knew these thoughts would pop up from time to time; it’s what you do with these thoughts that matter. I was in the final group with Andrew Dodt and Jake Higginbottom. I knew if I played my own game and didn’t try to keep up with these young whippersnappers I would be there somewhere at the end. After a nervous bogey at the first, I steadied down with eight straight pars on the front-nine, to be sitting two behind Jake and two ahead of Andrew. At this time the wind seemed to go to another level! I parred the next five holes and Jake made a couple of bogeys so we were square with four to go. The nerves I had earlier in the week were not there now. I was into my process and concentrating on my thinking, which kept

me in the moment. Jake hit a shot heavy on 15th into the bush short of the green and I hit a nice one to 8ft. I made the birdie putt. Suddenly I had the thought “is it really my time?”. I was two ahead with three to play. A great par on 16 compared with Jake’s bogey now had me three ahead with two to play – now I thought “surely you can’t stuff this up!” After a birdie on 17 and a great 8-iron into the last I now had a four-footer to win (with a four-putt “cushion”) . I remember joking with my friends about having the same situation growing up, and just tapping it closer a few times using the extra shots you have and winning by a shot. Well I can tell you that doesn’t sound so funny when you’re in the heat of battle! The story ends well: I holed the putt and was crowned the Fiji International champion. It was a real honour to be the first person to hit a shot in the event and the last person to putt out. I have been humbled by the amount of congratulations I received on the day and weeks after the event. I base myself on trying to be a nice guy and giving back to the game, so I guess it shows that so far I have been doing a good job. •

Golf hits the streets THIS is a game of golf where only road rules and common sense apply. It’s called Urban Golf and it tees off on Saturday, October 11 when around 100 golfers take to the streets of Newcastle (NSW) to play a little golf and have a load of fun. Urban Golf allows players to swap greens and fairways for gutters and highways for a new style of golf that is fast spreading around the world. In fact, it’s now played in 60 cities in 12 countries. No longer are players, who use specially adapted clubs and balls, concerned with making par, now the most important thing is making it over a car. Organisers, Urban Golf Australia, have spent the past 10 years growing their sport in co-operation with players and clubs from all over the world. Throughout 2014, the UGA has been working with groups like Golf Australia to introduce people to golf through Urban Golfing and have been able to hold events across Australia including in Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle. This year has also seen the UGA release a range of specially adapted clubs, balls and clothing making it easier than ever to get involved in the sport. It’s all about having fun in the city with friends. Urban Golf is a game of golf unrestricted by the usual rules and regulations, free from dress codes and boundary lines. It costs $10 to play and includes scorecard, balls, club hire and sausage “sand-wedges” straight from the grill when you get back to the clubhouse (Hamilton Station Hotel). There will be prizes up for grabs as well as a “fashions on the fairway” best dressed competition. More: www.australianurbangolf.com

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Nolan optimistic throughout cancer battle Henry Peters

expect with chemo and what I was about to go through,” Nolan said. “He prepared me pretty well for it. He gave me a good idea of the symptoms I was going to feel and what I’d need to do to manage it. He was a great help.”

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

ictorian professional golfer Peter Nolan is optimistic about returning to full health since being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April.

Nolan admits his continued struggle to beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma has majorly altered his outlook on life and he no longer aspires to a full-time career as a touring professional. “18 months (ago), I was thinking about turning my golf career into something where I could travel internationally and be super successful and try and kick goals around the world as a sportsperson,” he said. “Just to be able to work in a club and play the odd game with the members sounds terrific. This summer, we’ve got the (Surf Coast Classic) Pro-Am at The Sands. That’s right on the date that I’ll have my last scan and hopefully be celebrating the fact that we’re in the clear if I’m lucky. It’s changed my perspective of what you need to be happy in life.”

Nolan, who competed on the PGA Tour of Australasia between 2007 and 2012, was preparing to undergo his tenth chemotherapy treatment at the time of writing and said he has already seen his condition improve. “The large clump of tumors have reduced in size by about 75 per cent now through months of chemo,” Nolan said over the phone on the morning of his tenth treatment in a series of 12. “That’s getting us to the point now where the specialist is really happy. He knows it’s having a good effect. These last three (treatments) will hopefully get us to the point where we’re in the clear.”

Nolan said part of the funds raised from The Sands Torquay’s Surf Coast Classic Pro-Am will go towards the Starlight Foundation and Challenge to support children with cancer.

Nolan said he first noticed his health deteriorating late last year when he was suffering extreme fatigue each day while coaching full-time at the House of Golf’s Malvern store and managing the adjoining virtual golf centre, X-Golf. After a needle biopsy testing for any cancers came back negative, Nolan sought a less physically demanding job and accepted the role as Operations Manager at The Sands Torquay. Less than a month after starting in his new position, the 32-year-old lost sight in one of his eyes and noticed a lump that had developed on his neck.

symptoms. There was about five or six nodes on my neck but then throughout my chest, there was a large mass of tumors as well. It was fairly well progressed stage 2B Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”

“We went and had the lump on my neck, one of the nodes, cut out and tested and it came back positive for Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” Nolan said. “I was pretty lucky that I did keep getting

Following his 12th and final chemotherapy treatment, Nolan will have to wait eight weeks before receiving scans to reveal whether the disease is in remission. Nolan has based

Peter says he feels extremely lucky to have had the support of The Handbury Group, the members and the staff at The Sands Torquay, and previous employers XGolf Australia. himself in Barwon Heads, and continues to maintain a positive outlook on his future. “With Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you can be fully cured so I’m hoping that’s the case,” he said. Nolan drew support from fellow Victorian pro Jarrod Lyle, who last year overcame a return bout of leukemia and now has a home at The Sands Torquay. “When I got diagnosed, I had a good chat to him about what to

“Between this and my family being so amazing all the way through it has made a tough time manageable and bearable,” he says. He also reminded everybody to be vigilant and have any health concerns properly checked. “I’m keen to get the message out there that if you feel those sorts of (symptoms), you’ve just got to keep on going with the tests and keep on getting checked.” •

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clubs

Club 19: Five-star golf at down-to-earth value Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

OW would you like each month to enjoy a day as a guest at 12 of Sydney’s finest courses -- including lunch and a three-course dinner wrapped around playing the famous layouts -- and all for less annually than fees at an average private club? Well that’s what is enjoyed by the capped membership of 185 men and women who make up Club 19 -- Australia’s most up-market social club – when they play a day of five-star golf every month. For an annual cost of about $2800 (the average cost of the monthly day is about $200, plus a $295 annual fee), Members in 2014 were invited to enjoy the first-class ambience at clubs such as NSW Golf Club (twice), The Lakes, Concord, Terrey Hills, Pymble, Avondale, Ryde-Parramatta, Manly and Stonecutters Ridge, After a one-off $295 joining fee (suspended on a special Spring offer for Inside Golf readers) and an annual subscription of $295, Members can play the full 12-month schedule or any events they choose. Members must have a GolfLink handicap, but if not, one can be arranged with a $120 membership plan at Avalon Golf Club. The monthly outings vary in price from about $150 to about $250, depending on which clubs the Members play. Members can invite several guests to play each month, making it an ideal vehicle for corporate/business outings or a special treat for international visitors. What overseas visitor would not be

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Alizah Kendler, the Co-ordinator of Club 19, ready to welcome members at Long Reef.

The Club 19 gourmet dinner at Long Reef

impressed to enjoy lunch, golf and a dinner at the NSW Golf Club at La Perouse, rated the No. 1 course in the world (outside the US and the UK) by Golf Digest, or play The Lakes, an Australian Open venue.

sandwiches was enjoyed before about 40 men and women golfers headed out for an individual and two-ball-best-ball event, with four nearest-the-pins, long drives and straight drives competitions.

On top of the array of monthly golf days, Members also can join Club 19-golf trips to New Zealand, the Queensland Gold Coast or the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.

At the end there was time to relax and shower before enjoying a multi-choice gourmet three-course dinner – complete with fine red and white wines – at 6pm during which the winners were awarded On-Course golf shop voucher prizes and the Callaway ball comp rundown covered almost the whole field.

Last month I was invited to experience a Club 19 day at the Long Reef Golf Club, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and came away totally impressed after meeting golfers from as far afield as Florida, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle regions. Arriving at 11 am for a 12.30 pm shotgun start there was time to hit a warm-up bucket of balls on the practice range and enjoy a chip and a putt. A light lunch of delectable

The not-for-profit Club 19 days, managed by Teed Up, Australia’s leading golf travel and events management company, has been operating across Sydney since 1993 when it was founded by two keen golfers frustrated with playing the same course every week at

their home club. The Managing Director of Teed Up Golf, Bede Hendren, said he believed the success of Club 19 was the “golf should be enjoyable” attitude of the Members. “While the pleasure of playing some of Sydney’s best private courses is a big factor, the quality of our current 160 golfers is indicated by our average handicap of 19.6,” he said. So impressed was I by the Long Reef experience I plan to become part of Sydney’s best social-golf event with my first Club 19 outing being at NSW Golf Club in December. Club 19 membership enquiries: contact co-ordinator Alizah Kendler at 02 8458 9002, or Email: alizahk@teed-up.com. Visit the website at www.club19.com.au •

YourGolfPro Committed to the community

Alan Berry Palm Beach GC NSW

Alan Patterson Patterson River GC Vic

Tom Arnott The Coast GC NSW

Barry Morgan New Brighton GC NSW

Brett Parker Elanora Country Club NSW

Byron Clarkson Spalding Park WA

Chris Rutherford Royal Queenland GC Qld

Evan Droop Yarrawonga Golf Resort Vic

Glenn Warne Pambula Merimbula GC NSW

Greg Hohnen Killara GC NSW

Jake Nagle Queanbeyan GC NSW

Janelle Smith Charlestown GC NSW

Jason Russell Launceston GC NSW

Peter Johnston Merewether GC NSW

Steve Lipovas Anglesea GC Vic

Loraine Lambert Eden Gardens CC NSW

Mandy Buchanan Wodonga GC Vic

Mark Paterson Avondale GC NSW

Martin Lyne North Ryde GC NSW

Matthew Duncan Gisborne GC Vic

Matthew King Wynnum GC Qld

Mount Franklin is donating $250,000 to the McGrath Foundation in 2014. ‘Mount Franklin’ is a registered trade mark of Coca-Cola Amatil.

Marcus Liberman Phillip Island GC Vic

Murray Blair Gungahlin Lakes GC ACT

Nathan Stubbs Sanctuary Lakes GC Vic

Jon O’Sullivan Goulburn GC NSW

Patrick Fairweather Killara GC NSW

Paul Lorimer Asquith GC NSW

Mark Rainey Head Office

Kevin Quigley Strathallan GC VIC

Robby Stephenson The Links Shell Cove GC NSW

Robert Kennedy Moss Vale GC NSW

Ryan Smith Charlestown GC NSW

Sean Charleston Lonsdale GC Vic

Shannon Beck Redland Bay GC Qld

Glenn Phillips Monash GC NSW

Richard Stokes Narrabri GC NSW

David Stretton Morisset GC NSW

Tony Page Goonawarra GC VIC

Zac Rollins Seabrook GC Tas

Andrew McCormack Hawks Nest GC NSW

Matt Milne Portarlington GC Vic

Michael Bratovich Gosnells GC WA

Dan Cromie Whittlesea GC Vic

Lee Hunt Bankstown GC NSW

Maurie Moses Nelson Bay GC NSW

Rob Hurley Forster Tuncurry GC Vic

Steve Krause The Vines Reynella GC SA

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

The beauty of Peregian Springs

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

PENED in 2003, Peregian Springs Golf Club on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast is building a reputation as a must-play golf course and must-visit golfing destination in the region. The club’s chief executive officer Declan McCollam said Peregian Springs started life as a private members club, but now welcomed green fee players seven days per week. The club is thriving and is fast becoming one of the most sought-after and popular golfing destinations for club golfers and social players on the coast. In the past 12 months, more than 28,000 rounds have been played on the Phil Scottdesigned golf course, which is located at Peregian Beach 15 minutes from Noosa’s famous Hastings Street and the Sunshine Coast Airport.

“Aside from the local community, we get a lot of interstate visitors and players from the New Zealand market.”

“Since opening to the general public two years ago, we have seen a dramatic interest from the public to play the course,” McCollam said.

And with the recent acquisition of brandnew fleet of Club Car golf carts equipped with the latest Visage GPS, there is even more reason to play there.

“That’s because Troon Golf, who manage the agronomy, have improved the condition of the golf course dramatically.

McCollam said Peregian Springs was the only golf club on the Sunshine Coast that had GPS in its golf carts and that the Visage system was something very special, not just another GPS system.

“Every week, we are getting more and more players to come and play the golf course and leave with positive comments about the course and the friendly atmosphere the club provides to members and guests alike.” McCollam says Peregian Springs has managed to combine the attraction of a resort-style golf destination with the charm and atmosphere of a local golf club. 30

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

And when it comes to accommodation, interstate and overseas golfers have the option of first-class facilities at the Outrigger Resort and Spa in Noosa – the club’s playand-stay package partner. “We also partner up with Noosa Springs, Twin Waters and Pelican Waters golf clubs to

offer a four-course package,” McCollam stated. Some of the recent improvements at Peregian Springs have been the redesign of a couple of holes and upgrades to the bunker drainage. Peregian Springs Golf Club and Troon Golf have a course development plan to further improve the conditioning of the parkland-style golf course although they won’t go overboard as it’s already a great and fair test of golf. An easy-walking golf course with enough challenges for players of all levels, there are five tee positions that allows players of differing skill levels to choose their own level of difficulty. “Peregian Springs is a friendly golf course for the average golfer because there are generous landing zones on the fairways and greens,” McCollam said.

“But off the back (black) tees it’s a totally different golf course. “In fact, there is a difference of 750 metres from the black to the gold tees so there is a bigger challenge playing off the tips.” For women, the golf course stretches to a comfortable, yet testing, 5135 metres. Both nines are similar in style with treelined fairways and water coming into play on the third, fourth, 11th, 12th and 13th holes. The front nine has its challenges, especially holes five through eight. “The signature holes are the 12th and 13th with one playing over water and the other alongside a large lake with the lake coming into play on both the first and second shots,” McCollam said. The 312m par-4 fifth hole is perhaps the best chance at a birdie.

clubs Your tee shot needs to be centre right to prevent landing in the fairway bunkers and try to finish under the hole as the green has a ridge running through it. Any ball coming to rest above the hole will be faced with a speedy downhill putt. Long hitters can be aggressive off the tee although a fairway bunker just short of the green and bush either side of the fairway awaits an errant ball. The courses ends with three more absorbing holes of great variety. They begin with the 401m par-4 16th where a long green is shaped diagonally away from you left to right. The best approach is from the right although most players can’t reach it in two. The 358m (white tees 332m) par-4 17th has water 270m off the tee and 30m short of the green. This will influence club selection from the tee for the longer hitter and the second shot in the case of the shorter hitter. The final hole is top-notch and doglegs left with bunkers in play from the tee through to the long, narrow green. The ever-present breeze has a different effect on almost every shot. “The great thing about this golf course is it doesn’t beat you up if your game is a little off like some other courses do,” McCollam said. “It is fun and it has a few nice short par-4s which can get tight as you get towards the smaller greens.”

that costs $365 per annum with an event held every alternate Sunday and costs just $15pp for Sunday Club players.

“The pro shop is the hub of our golf operations and is open 6am to 6pm seven days a week.

The clubhouse is a wonderful surprise – a modern single-storey building that isn’t pretentious.

“It’s fully stocked with top name Australian and international brands. We stock fashionable apparel, shoes, clubs and an extensive range of accessories.”

It’s pleasantly spacious inside, the focus is on comfort with two bars, a restaurant area, locker rooms and showers open to visitors.

A round, including golf cart and range balls, costs $89.

The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday, but the bars are open every day. Snacks are available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For those people considering joining, Peregian Springs Golf Club they have introduced a number of new membership categories including a five-day, a sevenday, a weekend and a three-month trial membership. Plus they have a Sunday Club

“The practice facilities are first-class with a full-length driving range that has grass area and 12 mat tees,” McCollam said. “There is a putting and chipping green and we also have a fully-equipped gymnasium and a steam room.

“Cassie Porter is another talent who has won a multitude of events around Queensland and is a state schoolgirls’ rep. We have some good junior golfers in the club and want to grow this further.” Peregian Springs Golf Club also specialises in corporate golf days, weddings or functions. Whether it’s for a social group booking for 16 players or a corporate golf day for over 50 players, Peregian Springs will take care of all your and your clients’ needs.

One of the nice things about Peregian Springs Golf Club is it’s junior friendly and boasts a successful junior program with head professional Kai McKay.

The club, too, offers the most intimate gatherings to the grandest of weddings.

“On any given Wednesday, you will find 40-50 juniors taking part in our clinics,” McCollam said.

There is a choice of a number of fabulous rooms and stunning outdoor locations.

“We have two very successful juniors in Christian Butterworth, who is just back from playing the Futures Champions Tour in the US. The club totally funded his trip to the US.

Peregian SPringS golf Club Peregian Springs Drive Peregian Springs QLD 4573 Tel: (07) 5471 5471 Fax: (07) 5471 5444 email: info@psgc.com.au www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

For more information, call Peregian Springs Golf Club clubhouse on (07) 5471-5471 or the pro shop on (07) 5471-5400 or visit www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au •

18 Holes with Cart and Range Balls prior to play

Book now and play Peregian Springs Golf Club any day of the week for $79 with a golf cart and range balls prior to play Expires 31st December 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

www.mizuno.com.au/golf

amateurs

Amateurs shoot for the Masters

he most talented amateur golfers from across the Asia-Pacific region will descend on the world famous Royal Melbourne Golf Club from October 23-26 as they attempt to win the 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

the opportunity to qualify for The Open Championship at St Andrews in 2015. Winner of the 2012 tournament, Guan Tianlang, made history when he became the youngest ever player to compete at the Masters Tournament, at just 14 years old. Tianlang not only became the youngest ever player to compete at the Masters, being two years younger than the previous record set by a 16 year old Matteo Manassero in 2010, but he also went on to make the cut and win the silver medal for the Low Amateur.

Established by the APGC, Masters Tournament and The R&A, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will see a field of 120 of the highest-ranked amateur golfers from the Asia-Pacific region experience a professionalstyle tournament with one of the greatest prizes offered on the Amateur Golf Tour. The tournament has so far produced some prominent young players including Japanese sensation Hideki Matsuyama (2010, 2011) who contended at the recent US Open at Pinehurst, 14-year-old Chinese sensation Guan Tianlang in 2012, and South Korea’s Lee Chang-woo who won the tournament last year at Nanshan International Golf Club in China. Spectators now have the opportunity to watch the next generation of golfing stars for free on a course that is usually restricted to members. Established in 1891, Royal Melbourne is Australia’s oldest golf club and is one of the country’s premier golf venues. It has hosted prestigious events such as The Presidents Cup, for the first time outside the United States, in 1998, then again in 2011. The World Cup of Golf has also been played at the club in 1970 and 2013. The 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur participants will play the Composite Course at Royal Melbourne, a combination between six holes from the East and 12 from the West courses which rates amongst the best in the world.

South Korea’s Lee Chang-woo Competitors will tee off on both the 1st and 10th tees in the first and second rounds, before a cut reduces the field to 60 for the third and fourth round teeing off on the 1st.

the next highest ranked players with the maximum number of players allowed from any organisation being six. An additional four players are nominated from the host country.

Invitations for the championship are sent to the leading players from the 38 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) affiliated organisations. Each organisation is automatically provided with two positions, which are to be filled by the highest-ranked players from the World Amateur Golf Rankings as of 1 August 2014. In the instance of one or no members in the rankings, the member organisation can nominate one or two players with a handicap of 5.4 or less.

The champion will receive an invitation to compete in the US Masters Tournament in April 2015 and an exemption into The Amateur Championship, conducted by the R&A. In addition, along with the runner up, places in The Open Qualifying Series with

The remainder of the field is filled by taking

The Australian contingent of 10 that have confirmed to play includes three member of the four-player team who won the 2013 Ten Nations Cup, an amateur event in South Africa. Among that trio is Ryan Ruffels (Amateur World No.36), the reigning Australian junior champion, who won his age group at the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in the United States this year, and who is regarded as an excellent prospect at just 16 years of age. The confirmed Australians are Lucas Herbert (21), Taylor MacDonald (22), Geoff Drakeford (27), Jarryd Felton (73), Todd Sinnott (92), Curtis Luck (114), Cory Crawford (126), Antonio Murdaca (147) and Ben Eccles (157). Entry into The Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be free. For more information, visit www.aacgolf.com •

EVENT: 2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship WHEN: Thursday October 23 - Sunday October 26, 2014 WHERE: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club WEBSITE: www.aacgolf.com facebook.com/aacgolf Twitter: @ACC_Golf TICKETS: Free entry

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

ACGC Who will be the Suzuki ACE at this year’s ACGC?

Golfers agree: if you only play in one comp this year it should be the ACGC

A Suzuki Australia are thrilled to be upping the ante at the ACGC again this year. On top of the Championship Final ticket up for grabs, every entrant in the 85+ qualifying events will also have the chance to win a brand-new Suzuki S-Cross in the Suzuki Hole In One competition. If you’re thinking that’s a long shot, you’d better reconsider as the team at Suzuki have already given away two sensational Suzuki Kizashis in the previous series. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned club golfer, grab yourself a playing partner and jump online to register for an event near you today. Not only could you find yourselves enjoying a sensational trip to Queensland’s home of Championship Golf in 2015. It could be you, who literally drives into a new way of life behind the wheel of a brandnew Suzuki S-Cross and has the honour of being crowned the 2014/15 ACGC ACE. To find an event date in your region and register your pair visit: www.acgc.com.au •

ustralia’s largest amateur pairs event, the Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC) is now in full swing as amateur golfers from around the country tee up with a partner to compete for the title of Australia’s Champion Golf Pair. Players from the first events in the series have been blown away by the value of the Championship, at only $33.00 per person, the bonus registration gifts and opportunity to move straight through to the Championship Final on the Gold Coast is seeing golfers sign up from multiple qualifying events across their state and in many cases even planning trips to play in one of the many events held around the country. “We just love the opportunity to play in an organised tournament,” say many of the players. “The prizes up for grabs and the chance to compete in a professionally run event with like minded people who love the great game make ACGC top of our list” The hot ticket with this event is that the winning pair from every one of the 85+ regional events will receive travel and accommodation, plus three days of Championship golf, social functions and frivolity during the 2014/15 Championship

ACGC winners from Albany, WA Final being held at Australia’s home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort. Registration is simple, just visit the ACGC website and select one or more events you wish to play. Not only could you find yourselves enjoying a sensational trip to Queensland’s home of Championship Golf in 2015. It could be you and your friend, partner or family member, who has the honour of being crowned the 2014/15 ACGC Australian Amateur Golf Pair. Register your pair at: www.acgc.com.au •

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October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ACGC CALENDAR STATE WA NSW VIC SA VIC NSW NSW WA QLD VIC VIC SA VIC NSW TAS VIC QLD VIC TAS VIC VIC SA WA NSW SA NSW WA QLD TAS NSW TAS VIC QLD NSW NSW SA VIC VIC VIC VIC SA VIC NSW NSW NSW VIC VIC VIC

GOLF CLUB Kalgoorlie/Goldfields St Michaels Rosebud Thaxted Park Lang Lang #1 Casino Deniliquin Lakelands Gailes Kooringal Long Island McLaren Vale Leongatha Narrandera Royal Hobart Cardina Beacon Hills Rockhampton RACV Torquay Launceston GC RACV Torquay Kingston Links #2 Mount Gambier Hillview Shelly Beach North Adelaide Cronulla Meadow Springs Logan City Devonport Fairfield Golf Club Greens Beach Maryborough RACV Royal Pines #1 Eden Golf Club Bathurst West Lakes RACV Cape Schanck Gisborne Box Hill Cohuna Blackwood Yallourn Griffith Federal ACT Magenta Shores Stawell Mornington RACV Healesville

DATE 4/10/2014 13/10/2014 17/10/2014 19/10/2014 24/10/2014 26/10/2014 26/10/2014 28/10/2014 31/10/2014 31/10/2014 31/10/2014 1/11/2014 2/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 8/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 15/11/2014 16/11/2014 19/11/2014 22/11/2014 23/11/2014 24/11/2014 27/11/2014 29/11/2014 29/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 30/11/2014 5/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 7/12/2014 9/12/2014 20/12/2014 9/01/2015 10/01/2015 18/01/2015 18/01/2015 18/01/2015 23/01/2015 25/01/2015 25/01/2015 30/01/2015 31/01/2015

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people

Gordon’s 75 and 50 not out

You won’t hear golfers from golf clubs in the country whinge about poor lies – they just get on with it. That’s because clubs like Biggenden rely heavily on volunteers and it’s the members’ responsibility for the upkeep of the golf course and clubhouse. Gordon, who is on the greens committee, does his fair share of mowing fairways, tending greens and eradicating weeds. Born in Maryborough, Gordon has lived in Biggenden all his life. He has been a member of the club for more than 50 years and has an A and B grade club title under his belt. As for Country Week, Gordon reckons he’ll keep attending while he remains healthy. “I am going to keep coming until I can’t play anymore,” he said.

David Newbery

“My son Paul has been coming for 10 years so he can carry on the name.”

david@insidegolf.com.au

TOP INNINGS: Gordon Dowling celebrated his 50th appearance at Country Week at Nudgee Golf Club.

F Gordon Dowling is “just a hacker”, as he says he is, then he is an extraordinary hacker.

Gordon, who hails from tiny Biggenden Golf Club, 285kms northwest of Brisbane, has just racked up his 50th consecutive appearance at Queensland Country Week. What a legend! The Country Week stalwart made his first appearance in 1964 and has been playing in the event ever since. What is even more extraordinary is he tasted victory for the first time when he won the D grade championship by three strokes. “Finally, I have won something after 50 years,” the 19 handicapper said. “It was a bit of a shock, but I played well and had a 94 at Indooroopilly and 100 in strong winds at Redcliffe. “The scores weren’t good, but I must have been the best of the D graders.” Gordon says winning for the first time is a minor highlight compared to the camaraderie at Country Week. “It’s great catching up with all the different people you meet every year and having a good time,” he said.

In earlier years, Gordon and his mates would travel to Brisbane on dirt roads in an old FJ Holden, but now they travel in airconditioned comfort on sealed roads. “We hire a bus out of Bundaberg that brings us down and takes us home,” he said. To celebrate Gordon’s 50th year at Country Week, his Biggenden mates presented him with an impressive statue. “That was very nice of them,” he said. It’s Gordon’s passion for Country Week that sees the largest contingent of players from Biggenden converge on Brisbane every year. This year 16 made the journey. That’s not bad for a club with just 40 members.

In 1969, Gordon suggested Merilyn and their two-month-old daughter join him in Brisbane. “It was one of the better years at Virginia Golf Club,” he explained. “The club captain put our daughter in the office and we partied on all night.” Merilyn recalls the story well and doesn’t begrudge Gordon and his mates the annual pilgrimage to Brisbane. “Once a year I’m a golfing widow, but I don’t mind because the group he goes with are really nice. “Gordon is pretty laid back, enjoys sport and doing things like golf and fishing with Paul,” said Merilyn, herself a keen golfer, albeit a semi-retired golfer.

Father and son often team up in Country Week foursomes and although good mates there are awkward moments.

“I was keen on golf, but I haven’t played much for 12 years because when the grandkids came along I decided to spend time with them.”

“Lots of strange things happen like when he puts me in a sand trap. Then I hit it out of the bunker and he puts the ball in the water,” Gordon laughed.

In 2008, Paul took Gordon and Merilyn to the US to play golf in Las Vegas and to watch Greg Norman and Jason Day play at Pebble Beach.

Meanwhile, the Dowling family is planning another major milestone. Gordon and wife Merilyn this month will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. For most of those 50 years, Merilyn has been a “golfing widow” for one week a year

“Jason Day was only young and was playing with Greg the day we were there,” Merilyn said. “That was a great trip.” One trip Gordon will definitely make in 2015 is the journey to play Country Week for the 51st successive time. After all, he has a title to defend. •

That’s because it gives A, B, C and D grade golfers the opportunity to test their skills on unfamiliar “big smoke” golf courses. Many have only ever played on courses with sand greens, courses without bunkers, water hazards or magnificent manicured fairways and greens, but it’s their “Augusta National”.

Leading Amateur - Kade McBride (left) Champion - Andrew Dodt (right)

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Mind you, Merilyn has made the occasional trip to Country Week.

Okay, Country Week is not the US Masters, but for golfers from the “bush” like 75-yearold Gordon it might as well be.

CONGRATULATIONS! 38

when Gordon leaves home for a week to play golf in the “big smoke”.

Biggenden Golf Club members present Gordon Dowling (centre in back row) with a statue.

rules

What’s the Rule?

Practising on the course Frank Gal

Chairman of Rules Committee Golf NSW

early all the golf instruction and education material available strongly encourages us to warm up before a round of golf. The warm-ups golfers use include stretching exercises, practice swings, practice chips and putts on the practice green, and hitting balls in the practice nets or at the driving range or practice fairway. But there are a few limited occasions when practice is allowed on the course. Rule 7-1 covers practice on the course before or between rounds. In general this is prohibited in stroke play, but allowed in match play. There is no restriction on practice before the start of play in match play because all the players in a match have an equal opportunity to practice before the round since they start at the same time. In stroke play, practice is not allowed on the course before a round or a playoff, or between rounds on a course remaining to be played in a competition contested over consecutive days. Practicing on or testing the surface of a putting green on the course before a round is also prohibited. These provisions promote a level playing field since the early starters in a stroke play competition have less opportunity to become acquainted with playing conditions. The note to Rule 7-1 enables a Committee to reverse what is laid down in this Rule.

Practice may be prohibited in match play and permitted in stroke play. Where possible, the Committee should also define areas on which players may practice if there is no practice ground available outside the competition course. Rule 7-2 covers practice during a round in both match play and stroke play. It prohibits playing a practice stroke during play of a hole, however, a note to the Rule clarifies that a practice swing is not considered a practice stroke. The following are examples of actions which are considered practice during play of a hole incurring a penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play: • Dropping a ball on the fairway and striking it several times with a putter while waiting to play a stroke. • Making a few practice putts from off the green while waiting your turn to putt from on the green. • Playing a stroke with a plastic ball before playing the ball in play. • Hitting practice range balls from the course back to the range. However, the casual flicking of a range ball only for the purpose of tidying up the course is not a breach. There are a number of restrictions placed on practice between the play of two holes. The player may practice only his putting or chipping, and he is allowed to do so only on or near the putting green of the hole last played,

Ask the Rules Expert Question: While sitting around the meal room, our group got into general discussion about golf rules. One of the old timers in the office, who has fading eyesight and is older than Ghandi, asked the question “Can I draw a line on top of my driver, from front to back, to help me line up for the fairway?” After 10 minutes of laughter and jokes about trees and water and dents in his buggy from where the ball hits it, our response was “We have no idea, but probably yes”.

Rule 7 tells us when and where we can (and can’t) practice on the course any practice putting green, or the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round. Practice is prohibited from a bunker or water hazard and a player must not practice if he or she is going to unduly delay play. These prohibitions on practice during a round are designed primarily to protect the course from damage, such as large divots or pitch marks, which are not generally made by chip shots and putts. Prohibiting play from hazards also ensures that bunkers remain properly maintained. Rule 7-2 also clarifies that in match play (and also in Par and Stableford competitions), strokes played in continuing play of a hole, the result of which has been decided, are not practice strokes. In these circumstances only, a player is allowed to play the remainder of the hole with one ball in play, which could include playing from a Bunker or Water Hazard. •

Can you help me out with the correct answer. David McKay, NSW Rod Clark, Manager – Rules & Handicapping, Golf NSW responds: Hi David We’re pleased to advise that this is permitted, but must not be done during play of the round. Many clubs have alignment lines/logos and patterns and it does not restrict a player from placing his own marks on the club for this effect. However, the playing characteristics of the club must not be deliberately altered during play of the stipulated round.

YOUR CALL Got a question for the rules expert? Email it to us at ed@insidegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

new gear

Callaway Apex Utility Irons Performance, Playability and Forgiveness in a Utility Iron. The new Callaway Apex Utility Irons are ideal for golfers looking for a high technology alternative to hybrids or long irons. The traditional long iron shape is designed to deliver performance and a level of forgiveness and playability that go well beyond what you’d expect from a forged face, cavity back design. The Carpenter 455 Forged Face Cup–the same one used in Callaway fairway woods and hybrids–helps create higher ball speeds across the face to achieve the distance players are looking for. The sole weighting lowers the center of gravity making the utility irons are easier to hit and easier to launch. Each loft offering comes standard with a KBS Tour-V (steel). The UST Recoil 680 F4 Shaft (graphite) is available as a custom option.

RRP $269.99 AUD Available at Retail: October 1, 2014 Loft Offerings: 18, 21 and 24 degrees Steel shaft: KBS Tour-V Graphite shaft: UST Recoil 680 F4 (additional $20) Grip: Lamkin Crossline

>NEWGEAR We highlight the latest products to hit the market

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Big Bertha V Series Driver Speed Enhanced with Forgiveness. Callaway’s new Big Bertha V Series Driver, the newest member of the Big Bertha Family, is configured for distance. Weighing approximately 290 total grams, it features an ultra lightweight 42-gram Mitsubishi Bassara Shaft, lightweight Forged Composite head design and advanced aerodynamic shaping–all of which combine to deliver increased clubhead speed. A Hyper Speed Face delivers higher ball speeds across the hitting area due to a lighter, hotter more robust design, and the OptiFit hosel offers a combination of eight lofts (-1, S, +1, +2) and lie angles (Draw or Neutral) to find your optimized trajectory and shot shape. Lofts: 9.0. 10.5, 13.5 HT (high trajectory) Shafts: Bassara 42-gram shaft in the 10- and 13.5-degree HT club heads; Speeder 565 in 9-degree club heads Grip: Men’s Universal Red, Women’s Universal Blue

RRP $499.99 AUD

Touredge Exotics Drivers

Puma BIOFUSION Shoe The cell structure of Puma’s BIOFUSION shoe design utilises engineered shapes and innovative Rovencia Plus microfiber to provide supportive, lightweight and breathable performance. Customized fit with the lacing system that moves freely from the upper and cradles the midfoot to maximize support and stability. A thin PowerFrame outsole features flex grooves and traction elements combined with FusionFoam for a stable platform. Ultimate performance, comfort and style, the BIOFUSION is a revolutionary golf shoe. Crafted with durable materials with waterproofing guaranteed for two years. www.puma.com/golf

The new E8 drivers deliver distancedominating speed with adjustability options that allow players to fine-tune power and control. Available in two options – E8 and E8 Beta – the drivers feature superior adjustability with loft modifications and an interchangeable sole weight. A discerning feature of the E8 models involves the centre of gravity (CG) location; slightly lower and forward for a higher launch, and faster ball speed with less spin. The Beta utilizes a higher, more forward CG position to produce a more penetrating trajectory, increased ball velocity, and minimal spin. The E8 clubheads include loft options from 8.5 to 12 degrees in ½ degree increments, and feature Tour Edge’s lifetime warranty, 30-day play guarantee, and are projected to be in stores the beginning of October. E8: RRP $299.99 E8 Beta: RRP $399.99

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

Contour Casual Contour Casual is an extension of FootJoy’s very successful Contour Series franchise, the best selling golf shoe category in the world. The versatile Contour Casual footwear utilises super-soft, premium leathers, lightweight underfoot comfort, waterproof protection, industry-leading size options and world-renowned fit. This shoe is the ideal option for the golfer who enjoys the convenience of wearing the same shoes from the clubhouse to the practice tee but still demands the premium materials, comfort and style FootJoy has delivered for over 100 years.

RRP $159.95 AUD

Mizuno JPX850 Driver In 2007 Mizuno introduced a sliding weight system called Fast Track – to alter a driver’s draw/ fade tendency. Mizuno has now evolved this breakthrough technology to customize spin rate and launch angle in the JPX-850 – helping all swing speeds achieve maximum possible total yardage. The piercing blue JPX-850 uses twin 8-gram weights which can be located on either the central sliding rail, or two lateral slots. With 10 unique settings (4 neutral, 3 draw, 3 fade), players of all head speeds can dial in their perfect launch and spin. In combination with Mizuno’s Quick Switch shaft release system, the JPX850 also offers lofts from 7.5 to 11.5 within one head for the ultimate in adjustability. The head is a compact, powerful 440cc and utilizes a Hot Metal face and Rebound Crown to maximize balls speeds.

PURE Grips PURE Grips are one of the hottest grips on the market, not only for their ground breaking technologies but also their quality, look and feel. PURE Grips are validated by Tour Pro’s Ricky Barnes, Michael Sim, Ryan Moore and the LPGA’s Christina Kim. They trust PURE Grips to connect two of the most important parts of the swing, the hands and the shaft.

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Inside Golf and Mizuno are giving away a JPX850 Driver to one lucky reader. To enter, visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions

Mizuno JPX850 Fairway wood The JPX850 marks a new generation of better player fairways woods – maintaining a generous, hittable size with low penetrating spin rates and high workability. The primary characteristic of the JPX850’s Shock Wave sole is to enable the entire club head to contract and expand on impact – delivering an additional energy source to the clubface. The additional mass also lowers the head’s centre of gravity, maintaining high ball speeds directly off the turf. There is a 4 degree range of loft adjustment possible within each fairway head (3/5/7) through the use of Mizuno’s Quick Switch shaft adjustability.

Mizuno JPX850 Hybrid The JPX-850 marks a new generation of distance generating hybrids. The primary characteristic of the JPX850’s Shock Wave sole is to enable the entire club head to contract and expand on impact – delivering an additional energy source to the clubface. The additional mass also lowers the head’s centre of gravity, maintaining high ball speeds directly off the turf.

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Sh Tec ock W hno av log e y

PURE Grips have the hottest colour combinations, including Green, Orange, Blue, White, Grey, Black, Red, Neon Pink & Neon Yellow. Limited edition colours come out regularly and if you order fifty they can custom build you a grip with words, logos and your choice of paint colours. The PURE Grips tacky feel comes from a special 100% rubber formula and their special injection moulded manufacturing process. The only Made in USA coloured grips on the market, PURE Grips will give you an advantage, all at class leading prices. RRP: $13-$30 incl GST PURE Installation Gun: $44.00 incl GST www.puregrips.com.au sales@puregrips.com.au (02) 9958 6370

Mizuno MP-T5 The MP-T5 wedges deliver the touch and precision of Mizuno’s renowned Grain Flow Forging construction where it benefits most – around the greens. A refined teardrop profile allows mastery of the ball from a variety of set ups and positions. There are now 25 combinations of loft and bounce – with 2 sole types to suit varying techniques and turf conditions. Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forged heads combine the softest touch with a backspin rate only possible through the use of loft specific grooves. Mizuno’s Quad Cut Groove concept

Fo Precis rged 25 loft ion with / bo option unce s utilizes a wider, shallow groove from 5462 lofts (to grab softer, partial strikes) and a narrower, deeper configuration from 49-53 degrees (for fuller shots).

Mizuno JPX850 Iron The JPX850 breaks all the normal rules of golf equipment – with a face that flexes past the competition limits placed by the USGSA and R&A on drivers. The breakthrough in ball speed and distance is achieved through increasing the flexible portion of the clubface. A reinforced frame around the clubface makes it play effectively larger, without increasing its size. Equally as important, the framework ensures ball speeds are consistently high across the entire clubface and that high COR is not created at the expense of feel or control.

Explos ively solid

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

gear news

Anti-counterfeiting group continues crackdown T

he U.S. Golf Manufacturers AntiCounterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) recently announced the successful raids of two China-based counterfeiting targets carried out over the past few months. The operations, which were executed by Chinese law enforcement with the assistance of the Golf Group, resulted in the seizure of almost 62,000 counterfeit golf products. Additionally, The Golf Group announced the sentencing of two criminals charged and convicted of selling fakes in a separate case. “These raids and sentences are a strong show of support from Chinese law enforcement that, like us, they understand the damage that counterfeiters are doing to the sport of golf,” said Joe Nauman, Executive Vice President for Corporate and Legal for Acushnet Company. “There are many more counterfeiters like this, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to pursue and bring to justice the people who profit from duping consumers.” In late June and early July, Chinese authorities completed two raids at counterfeit factories in the Jiangxi Province and Dongguan, where they found nearly 62,000 pieces of counterfeit golf merchandise, seizing golf club heads, shafts and grips in addition to golf apparel and other accessories. “Every raid and every conviction brings us one step closer to our goal of eliminating the counterfeiting of golf products,” Dave Cordero, spokesperson for TaylorMadeadidas Golf, said. “We know this is an ongoing battle but we’re committed to doing what it takes to protect consumers and the integrity

A recent raid in China netted over 62,000 counterfeit golf products. of our sport. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and we’re encouraged by the strong relationships we’re developing with Chinese law enforcement officials to go after the counterfeit manufacturers and suppliers.” The sentences were handed down to Qing Guangxi and his wife, Deng Xiang’ai. The pair was arrested in May of 2013 after a raid revealed that they sold almost $600,000 (USD) in counterfeits through their business. Guangxi was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine in excess of $48,000 (USD). Xiang’ai received a three year prison term and $32,000 (USD) fine. The Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group consists of five of the most well-known golf companies in the world -- Acushnet Company whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Srixon, Cleveland

LOOKING FOR A GOLF CLUB TO JOIN?

You can join and play 7 days per week from as little as $1300 per annum* Special 30% discount membership available to two members of the same household. First member pays full category price additional family member living at the same address will receive a 30% discount on the full subscription. New members will also receive a FREE Golf Lesson and 2 complimentary visitor vouchers. *(A house account applies) NEW Limited 35 game category only $900pa* Special family price for second member only $650pa • • • •

Group 1 top class club Situated in the heart of Sydney Easy walking course-carts and buggies available Competitions daily - Men’s and ladies competitions every day • Open days for members and guests Mondays and Fridays • Excellent dining / bistro/clubhouse recently refurbished • Excellent practice facilities

• Free Golf lesson + 2 complimentary guest vouchers for new members • Direct Debit/quarterly/half yearly subscription payment options • AAA accredited PGA professional Mark Reeve available for golf lessons • 3 month membership for overseas guests • Junior/cadet programme

STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB www.strathfieldgolf.com 84 CENTENARY DRIVE, STRATHFIELD NSW 2135 OFFICE : 9642 0326 • PRO SHOP: 9642 8642 • EMAIL: office@strathfieldgolf.com.au 42

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

A fake club can look almost identical to an authentic product. Golf and XXIO; PING; and TaylorMade-adidas Golf whose brands are TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams and Ashworth. Formed in 2004, the Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group has worked with international law enforcement and government agencies to conduct raids and investigations of counterfeit operations. Since 2011, the Golf Group’s efforts with the help of Chinese law enforcement led to the seizure of more than 625,000 counterfeit golf products. It’s estimated that as many as 2 million counterfeit golf clubs are produced each year. If you laid every fake club end-to-end they would stretch more than 8000km, or roughly the distance from Sydney to Perth and back. More information about the dangers of counterfeit golf clubs and products, and how to avoid them, can be found at www.keepgolfreal.com .

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS PARMAKER OUTLET

Spotting a fake Issues with counterfeit golf clubs can range anywhere from a loss of distance and accuracy to a safety issue—with shafts that shatter and heads that fly off mid-swing. To ensure the golf equipment you’re purchasing is authentic, ask yourself the following: Am I purchasing my new golf equipment from an authorized dealer? The most reliable way to be sure you are purchasing an authentic product is to buy from an authorised retailer/dealer. There will always be a risk that a product purchased from an unauthorized source will be counterfeit. Counterfeit manufacturers are constantly changing and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to spot counterfeits… until you play golf with them. A number of websites offer discounted golf products and claim to be OEM’s or approved vendors. Are they legit? Probably not. There has been an increase in the number of websites that offer deeply discounted golf products. If the site is not identified as an authorized retailer/vendor according to the manufacturer’s website, it is likely selling counterfeit products. There are slight differences in the appearance of the club, including different shades of colour, or slightly different engravings. Did I purchase a fake? Most likely. Most golf manufacturer’s do not sell “seconds”, so there will not be different versions of golf equipment in the marketplace. Use your head Purchasing online or from unauthorised sources may seem like you are getting topof-the-line clubs at bottom barrel prices, but as the adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For Parmaker after-sales repairs, service & spares in the Blue Mountains Area (Blacktown to Lithgow & beyond) contact Mike Budden. We conduct warranty repairs on all models and have most walker and ride-on models available for demo. Collection & delivery is available. Phone & fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com Sales • Repairs • Service • Spares

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new gear

>NEWGEAR Tech on the Tee

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

etermining distances on a course can be one of the most important activities in golf. But it can also be the most frustrating, time-consuming and mindbending lesson in futility. While sprinkler heads, course guides and yardage markers can be helpful (when available), they don’t often tell the whole story. What if you are just trying to carry a fairway bunker? Or lay up short of a lake? Or play an approach from the wrong fairway? Without an accurate distance, you’re just playing a guessing game. And if you’re not 100 per cent confident with your club selection, the uncertainty in your mind can often translate in to an uncommitted swing, resulting in a poor golf shot.

Distance-measuring devices like GPS units and laser rangefinders are a perfect solution. With a click of a button, you gain absolute confidence of your exact distances; taking the guesswork out of the equation and allowing you to focus solely on your swing (or simply concentrate on the other 1000 swing thoughts bouncing around in your head). And yes, they are legal. Approved for use in 2008 by the USGA and the R&A (change in Rule 14-3b), distance-measuring devices can be used on the course, provided that your club/committee allows it (check with your Club Captain for more on this).

Best of all, they can speed up play immensely. In fact, that’s the reason why they were invented! So let’s look at the newest and most advanced units on the course today!

>GPS UNITS GolfBuddy PT4

The new GolfBuddy PT4 touchscreen has been upgraded from a pressure based touch screen to a capacitive touch screen - the new TouchSwipe screen enables taps and gestures to be even more responsive, just like your smartphone. The 4” LCD touchscreen, precisely measures the distance to any target, as well as shot distance measurement. The PT4 is loaded with a variety of new and hallmarked GolfBuddy features. These include: • Slim body design • New user interface with capacitive touch control • Easy scoring feature • Dynamic Green View: distances always directly from the golfer’s angle of approach • Moveable pin placement • Automatic course and hole recognition • Digital, interactive scorecard and statistics module Hallmarked with GolfBuddy’s dynamic green view technology, which provides precise distances to the front, centre and back of the green, directly from the player’s angle of approach. Comprehensive target and hazard information are also included, providing golfers with complete confidence and knowledge of the course. As with all GolfBuddy GPS products, the PT4 is 100% fee-free with no annual subscriptions or course download charges to pay after purchase. Complete with over 37,000 preloaded global courses, the PT4 has set the new standard in the handheld golf GPS category. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

GolfBuddy VS4 to Easy PS use G oice V with ction fun

Introducing the newest addition to the GolfBuddy Voice line, the VS4. The VS4 is a simple distance measuring device. With one click of a button, you can hear the distance to the front/centre/back of the green. The VS4 also displays the distances on the LCD screen if you prefer not to use the Voice function. The versatile VS4 can be used to clip on your cap or belt. Use the optional accessories to wear it on your wrist or attach to your gear with the retractable clip. The GolfBuddy VS4 is available in White or Black and is the choice for those who just want basic information, delivered to you in the simplest way.

RRP $499.95 AUD

Prem touchs ium full-fu creen nc rangefition GPS nder

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

RRP $189.95 AUD

Sureshotgps Micro 300X The Sureshotgps Micro 300X provides accurate, easy to read distances to the most important position on the course, the green. The GPS device is preloaded with thousands of courses sporting slim-line casing and simple navigation menus. You will be able to measure individual shot distances, keep track of scores with the scorecard and enjoy the convenience of automatic course recognition. The Micro 300X displays the closest five courses to your location and you will be able to breeze through your round with automatic hole advance so you can focus on your game. www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists.

RRP $199.00 AUD www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

new gear

>GPS WATCHES GolfBuddy WT4 GPS Fashion Watch

The WT4 GPS Watch delivers all the information you will need in a stylish, fashionable design.

Bushnell XS Watch Pre-loaded with 33,000+ courses in more than 30 countries, The Bushnell XS Watch features Easy-to-read Front/Centre/Back Distances, Hazard/Layup Distances (up to 4 per hole), Auto Course Recognition and Auto Hole Advance, Shot Distance Calculator and a Round Odometer. It also features a Long Battery Life - over 3 rounds between charges and no downloads and no membership fees ever. Available in Black, Charcoal and White. The Black Model features a Reverse Display for easy readability in bright sunlight

All the features you would expect from a premium GolfBuddy product are there. Front, Centre, and Back distances to the green. Moveable Pin Placement, so you can get even closer to the right distance on the hole you are playing. Hazard information. Shot Distance Measurement. Scorecard. It even has a GPS tracking feature so you can time yourself and find out how far you have walked.

RRP $269.95 AUD

www.championsports.com.au

Of course, as with all GolfBuddy GPS products, you also get the best golf course library of maps available in golf. Over 37,000 courses pre-loaded and ready to go with no additional membership or download fees. The WT4 can be worn as a stylish watch for up to 20 days battery life in watch mode. Simply switch to GPS mode and enjoy up to two rounds of golf with the 9-hour battery life for playing. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

GolfBuddy WT3 GPS Sports Watch The WT3 GPS Watch has been a hit with golfers in 2014. Packed with a full list of features, including Movable Pin Function, Scorecard, shot distance and much more. The Dynamic Green function means that you will get accurate distances to the front, Centre and Back of the green, directly from your angle of approach. With its robust, sporty design and GPS tracking function that can be used for walking or running, The GolfBuddy WT3 is the perfect companion for the active golfer. With over 37,000 world-wide courses pre-loaded and ready to go with no additional membership or download fees, it’s also great for golfers who like to travel far and wide to play the game. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

RRP $249.95 AUD

Sureshotgps Hybrid Golf Watch GW3 From the green to the office, or out on the weekend, the Sureshotgps Hybrid Golf Watch GW3 is an all-round full feature sports watch, and a must-have gadget for the active male or female on the go that loves golf, cycling, running or walking. This little powerhouse device features a high-tech odometer, tracking speed and distance as well as calculating calories burned while using the programmed modes to walk, run, cycle or play golf as well as doubling as a golf watch. It boasts a range of different features for improving your golf game including live distance updates to the front, centre and rear of the green, as well as individual shot distances, ability to analyse your swing tempo, auto hole and course recognition software and even a built-in scorecard. You can record your score and review up to 200 rounds of scoring history by date and course. It comes preloaded with 28,000 Australian, New Zealand and International golf courses. www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists.

RRP $299.95 AUD 48

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

GOLF’S NEWEST PREMIUM TOUCH SCREEN GPS

GOLF’S LATEST EASY TO USE VOICE GPS

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

new gear

>LASER RANGEFINDERS Bushnell Tour V3 With its new ergonomic design and its award-winning PinSeeker with JOLT Technology, the Tour V3 sets the standard for being the complete laser rangefinder package - design, performance and feel. JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt by delivering short vibrating bursts to reinforce the laser has locked onto the flag. Features include: Accuracy within 1-yard, Range: 5 yards - 1,000 yards (300+ yards to a flag), 5x Magnification, Ergonomic design, 3-Volt Battery and Premium Carry Case included. 2 Year Warranty.

Bushnell Tour Z6 JOLT

7X tion ifica t n g a M nd Jol a ology n Tech

Instantly acquire flags up to 450 yards away with the extreme speed and incredible range of the Tour Z6. Vivid Display Technology™ ensures accurate target acquisition by shutting out background hazards and isolating your target, and dramatically improves the display for rapid, positive target identification in all lighting conditions. JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt by delivering short vibrating bursts to reinforce the laser has locked onto the flag. Includes PinSeeker Technology to zero-in on the flag (up to 1/2 yard accuracy), total range of 5 yards-1,300 yards, 6x Magnification, Waterproof (IPX7) and RainGuard HD lens coating. 3-Volt Battery and Premium Carry Case are also included. 2 Year Warranty.

www.championsports.com.au

Bushnell Pro X7 JOLT Thanks to a constant emphasis on product innovation, Bushnell Golf continues to set the highest standards, beyond that which competitors can reach. The Pro X7 JOLT features Vivid Display Technology, 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.), 7X magnification and JOLT Technology, to make it one of the world’s most technologically advanced laser rangefinders. The patented JOLT Technology offers golfers a greater feel and higher confidence when measuring their distances, with the unit vibrating in their hand when the target is acquired. www.championsports.com.au

The FourStar Golf Cruiser

Small, nimble, light and powerful, the FourStar allows golfers to cruise around the fairways and greens with ease and comfort. Giving individual golfers the opportunity to remain mobile and increase their speed of play is the FourStar’s main game. The FourStar can cover 36 holes of golf on a single battery charge and be recharged overnight, costing less than 50 cents. It creates zero pollution and can climb steep hills, go at walking pace for being sociable, or 15 km/h to speed things up. It can reverse too! Included at no extra cost: single golf bag holder, golf bag straps, battery charger, front basket, Fish-Tail seat, umbrella holder, plastic mud flaps, score card holder, user manual and tool kit!

See our website at www.ElectricVehiclesOceania.com.au for the genuine FourStar Golf Cruiser.

Phone Toby on 0401 500 440 or John on 0417 679 398

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

new gear

GolfBuddy LR4 Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell Medalist

With proven quality and reliability in the golf distance game, GolfBuddy now offer a new Laser Rangefinder the LR4 Laser.

With its sleek horizontal profile the Medalist is about two things: lower scores and PinSeeker Technology. Quick and natural to the eye, the Medalist acquires flags tucked in the deepest corners of the green despite background clutter that befuddles lesser rangefinders. Features include: PinSeeker Technology to zero in on the flag, +/1 yard accuracy, Range: 5 - 1000 yards/meters (300 yards to a flag), 4x magnification (objects appear 4x closer), 9-volt battery and carry case included, 2 Year warranty.

The GolfBuddy LR4 comes with 6x Magnification for a close look at your target. The LR4 has a Scan Mode, allowing you to lock onto multiple targets for selected distances to help you plan your shot. The Pin Mode let’s you find the pin while filtering out background objects such as trees behind the green. The super fast processor in the LR4 means it locks onto targets quickly, reducing the need for multiple scans to acquire your target. www.championsports.com.au

SureshotLaser PinLoc 2000 Before taking that next hit, trust the reliable SureshotLaser PinLoc 2000, using infrared technology to provide pin precision accuracy and know the distance and range to that winning hole. Faster, more accurate and with a longer range, the Priority Loc ignores background objects for quickest most accurate ranging to the pin. Intelligent software is housed within a small, rubberized, ergonomically designed casing, and comes standard with a deluxe carry pouch. Just aim, point and capture with dead accuracy with a SureshotLaser PinLoc 2000. Available in Orange, Grey or Black. www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists.

The LR4 comes in a stylish White/Blue combination and is available from all good golf stores and pro-shops. www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

GolfCraft Target Caddie 400M Laser Rangefinder Using high function optics and intelligent software, the Target Caddie 400M™ isolates the closest target among multiple objects and dials in so you can be confident you’re on the right target every time. Using 6X magnification the laser locks onto the target at the speed of light producing extreme accuracy +/- just one meter. Your distance control, club selection and game can now benefit from these features in an ultra compact, light, ergonomically designed case which fits comfortably in your hand, powered by a long life Lithium battery. Available exclusively at Drummond Golf stores. (03) 9587 3104 www.golfworks.com.au info@golfworks.com.au

RRP $299.00 AUD

RRP $349.95 AUD

RRP $249.95 AUD

>HYBRIDS /GADGETS Sureshotgps Launch Monitor

In today’s golf world, maximising your distance and accuracy is truly a matter of science and precision. The Sureshotgps Launch Monitor provides golfers with instant information and feedback to perfect their swing. Make small adjustments to grip pressure, stance or even tee height and watch the difference it could make to your stats on ball distance, swing speed and smash factor stats. It is quick and simple to setup and is powered by three modes to make every swing interesting and enjoyable. The first mode will measure your exact swing speed, shot distance, ball speed and smash factor per club and shot. The other two modes are game modes which add or deduct points. Discover your best game yet and practice with power with the Sureshotgps Launch Monitor and put the fun back into the driving range. www.sureshotgps.com or call 1300 644 523 for stockists. 52

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Bushnell Hybrid Laser GPS

RRP $349.00 AUD

The world’s first Laser Rangefinder and GPS in one. Combining laser accuracy with GPS convenience, it’s just the game-changer you need. It features the PinSeeker Technology used by more than 90% of PGA professionals, with +/-1-yard accuracy, 5x magnification and distance to front, centre and back of green. Plus, the GPS function offers 25,000+ courses pre-loaded world-wide, Auto Hole Advance, Auto Course Recognition and no one-time or re-occurring membership fees. www.championsports.com.au

new gear

#1 RANGEFINDER IN GOLF 97% OF USPGA TOUR PROâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S USE BUSHNELL LASER RANGEFINDERS

NEW PRO X7 JOLT

NEW TOUR Z6 JOLT

PinSeeker TechnologyTm with JOLT provides the golfer with short vibrating bursts to reinforce that the laser has locked onto the flag. JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt. Use what the pros use, feel the exact distance... feel the JOLT. JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt. Use what the Pros use, feel the exact distance... FEEL THE JOLT!

NEW NEO XS NEW TOUR v3 JOLT

Champion Sports

phone (08) 8239 1122 Enquiries email sales@championsports.com.au

33,000 pre loaded golf courses & 3 rounds battery life Bushnell GPS, Distance made simple www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

fashion on the fairways

>onFashion the Fairways From the early days of the plus-fours and ruffled cravats, to today’s bright colours and plaid ensembles, golf and fashion have long been intertwined. Looking good both on and off the course is becoming easier and easier these days, with a massive variety of styles on offer. Here are some of Australia’s top products, services and shops to help you get your wardrobe looking top notch!

RRP $169.00 AUD

IceRays UV Protective adiCross Gripmore and Cooling Armsleeves Footwear If you hate messy sunscreen but don’t want to wear hot, long sleeve shirts, then IceRays are the perfect answer. No more hot, sticky arms; just cool comfort. With 50+ UV protection and no uncomfortable seams, they are the only Armsleeve tested by the Government body ARPANSA to be totally UV protective to 50+. A great option to keep you cool and protected, Icerays are available in lots of different colours and one size fits all. Just $29.95 including delivery anywhere in Australia. Email: enquiries@icerays.com.au or call or SMS Anne on 0404 235 563 or Linz on 0434 246 549. www.icerays.com.au

The evolution of golf cleats has seen little change in innovation over the course of the last century. From metal spikes to soft spikes and most recently spikeless models, cleat technology has remained stagnant with little advancement. Unlike traditional spiked golf shoes that require receptacles to house cleats on the sole, gripmore cleats are directly injected onto lightweight matting inclusive of hundreds of microspikes for even more traction and stability. In addition to unbelievable grip, the adicross gripmore is amongst the most green-friendly the company has ever created. The adicross gripmore utilises 43 gripmore cleats and a total of 243 points of contact for the ultimate combination of versatility and performance. Featuring premium sport-styling with modern aesthetics and colours and a premium full grain leather upper, the adicross gripmore line has outstanding comfort and casual crossover appeal that delivers the performance golfers of all types demand.

adidas Golf climachill Apparel Collection adidas Golf, an industry leader in innovation, technology and performance footwear and apparel, has announced the release of the new climachill apparel collection, featuring new and exclusive fabric technologies designed to keep golfers cool when temperatures rise on the course. Designed and developed to raise performance levels by helping regulate body temperatures, adidas Golf engineers have revolutionized golf apparel technology with proprietary climachill fabric, engineering the most breathable material the company has ever incorporated into its apparel lines. Delivering a cooling sensation upon contact with the skin, small aluminium dots were strategically located inside the back neck, one of the warmest areas on the human body. The climachill fabric construction utilizes woven titanium fibers that maximize surface contact with skin. Remarkably light, climachill fabric acts like an open mesh to increase air permeability, drawing heat away from the body and allowing for unmatched ventilation and evaporation of sweat to keep golfers cool like never before.

NEED TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST HARMFUL UV RAYS WHEN YOU PLAY GOLF?

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

But hate sticky sunscreen or hot long sleeves?

TRY ICERAYS ARMSLEEVES They are cool to wear while being fully UV protective to 50+ and comfortable with no seams or tight bands. They are the only sleeves tested by the government body ARPANSA to be 50+

Just $29.95 including P&P

More and more of the pro’s on the tours are wearing them now and Anne Rollo from Anne Rollo Golf schools has been wearing them for over 2 years and loves them... ”I recommend them to all my students, I don’t have to wear sunscreen on my arms anymore and they are surprisingly cool on the skin, I love them”

Go to www.icerays.com.au to order and have yours to wear in a few days. Or call Linz on 0434 246 549 or email enquiries@icerays.com.au to order yours now. 54

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf clothing is no longer boring!

Nivo Daily Sport Birdee Sport Haley Bette & Court Loudmouth Golf Jamie Sadock Cutter & Buck Nancy Lopez Golf Accessories & Gifts

fashion on the fairways

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WWW.ADIDASGOLF.COM.AU © 2014 Taylor Made Golf Company Limited. adidas, the 3-Bars logo, and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group. GRIPMORE is a registered trademark of Asia Summit Innovation Corporation.

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

fashion on the fairways

PING Apparel – Summer 2014 PING Collection’s famed golf polo shirt range offers excellent garment coordination potential through harmonising colour stories. Offering upwards of 25 different design/ colour combinations, this range will cater for all serious golfers. The 2014 summer range of polo shirts is offered with a tailored fit. Sleeves and armholes are cut to give clean and contemporary lines with considered use of colour to ensure perfect outfit co-ordination. The Jet polo shirt uses a marl fabric and upper chest panelling in a moisture moving fabric quality. Worn with the Rosco lightweight performance trouser which also offers crease free, UV protection and moisture moving technology. Meteor polo shirt in spectrum blue has been designed with a contemporary plain self-fabric collar, taping detail to under placket and back contrast panel detailing. Pulse polo shirt uses an engineered marl stripe as well as side panel detailing in moisture moving polyester fabric. Worn with the 5 pocket, stretch Toledo trousers in Ash colour way. These trousers use moisture moving properties and offer an inner extendable waistband amongst other features.

Vanity Fairways

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Style up your golf ball with an ID stamp or Tin Cup that suits you to a tee. By styling up your ball with an identification mark, not only will it remove the risk of a couple of penalty strokes, you can let your ball say something about you! That’s my Ball ID stamps & markers to allow golfers to mark and identify their golf ball quickly and easily. That’s my Ball offers easy to use and highly durable ball marking tools, a huge selection of designs or you can create your own and purposeful gifts for golfing family and friends.

Phone: 1300 445 054. Web: www.thatsmyball.com.au

One of the favourite ranges available from Vanity Fairways is the Nivo Range, featuring clean colours and fashionable styles that make up part of the “Wave” range. Not only will you look great oncourse but their gear works well for travelling and casual wear as well.

The Rules of Golf state that it is a player’s responsibility to put an identification mark on their golf ball. Many golfers play the same brand of ball and if you can’t identify your ball, it is considered lost and you will be penalised (see Rules 12-2 and 27-1)

So, be fashion forward on the course and style up your golf ball today!

Vanity Fairways believes in making shopping for great golf and casual wear as easy as possible. If you aren’t comfortable with online shopping then you can always speak to Deborah and shop direct. Deborah is a keen golfer and knows what will work and what won’t work for you and isn’t afraid to be honest. If it doesn’t look good then she will tell you!

If your golf wardrobe needs an update for Spring and Summer you’ll be sure to find the right piece or pieces at Vanity Fairways!

That’s My Ball We all want to look the part on the golf course with current season fashion but there’s one important thing to never forget to style up ...... your golf ball!

www.vanityfairways.com.au Phone: 0418754717 or 07 32791358

TravisMathew Founded in 2007 TravisMathew draws its inspiration from all aspects of Southern California culture and lifestyle. Their focus on making premier men’s apparel for work and play has cemented their foothold in the sportswear world. Over the past several years, TravisMathew has been leading the way in quality and activewear design. They remain committed to constant innovation and discovery to bring the best to their customers.

This season, TravisMathew takes inspiration from a tour player’s lifestyle. A different city and hotel each week, one tournament at a time, living out of a suitcase, long flight and changing time zones. All the while dreaming of home. This is the tour life: wild, ever-changing, never a dull moment. This is what TravisMathew is all about. Their clothes are designed for all occasions, for every moment: performing on the course for thousands of fans, heading for a celebratory night out or recharging at home to do it all over again. So while you may not be on tour, wherever you’re headed, TravisMathew has you covered.

fashion on the fairways

DISTRACT DEVOUR

Rickie Fowler PGA Golfer. Sunday Rebel.

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

fashion on the fairways

GolfKnickers.com

Puma Digi Graphic Polo

Created and designed by an Italian tailor who has been in the clothing game for decades, golfknickers.com specialise in an expansive line of men’s and ladies’ plus-fours or golf knickers.

The Digi-Graphic Polo is prepared for pretty much anything a Saturday morning can throw at it. It has a mesh back panel for ventilation, UV-protected fabric, and engineered sleeves to keep your followthrough smooth. Not to mention the sweet digi graphic to get the party started. Its coolCELL construction is also doubly equipped for unpredictable playing conditions: it provides insulation during cool morning tee times and wicks away moisture when the temperature warms up. Features 92% Polyester, 8% spandex with graphic print at front panel, Three button placket with selffabric collar, UV protection: UPF 30+.

The company has a full line of matching socks, caps, shirts, bow ties, and sweater vests -- delivering a complete outfit. They also offer one of the largest selections of argyle socks. They have recently released their NEW line of argyle sweaters and socks, with brand-new colour patterns, along with a whole new line of argyle sweater and sock packages that are a bit different from the rest. They ship to Australia daily and everything online is in stock and ready to ship (even large quantities). www.GolfKnickers.com Order online, or ring: 0011-800-7008-2700

www.puma.com/golf

Oakley Polos

Birdee Sport

A tailored fit, crisscross back yoke and contrast details lend a modern athletic look to the Andrews Polo. O Hydrolix UVshielding fabric helps keep you protected from the sun while pulling sweat away from your skin where it quickly evaporates. Plus, this shirt is equipped with a chest pocket and logo details for small-item storage and unmistakable style. Designed for premium performance on the course, the Miller Polo gets its bold look from a sublimated geometric print on the front panel. Sweat-wicking fabric with UV protection helps keep you dry and shielded from harmful ultra-violet rays, while set-in sleeves and forward shoulder seams allow for freedom of movement through your swing. Classic details on the polo like a foldover collar and button placket combine with ellipse and bark logos to create the perfect pairing of traditional and modern style.

New and exciting designs are now available from Birdee Sport – with exceptional cut and impressive bright colours for Spring/Summer 2014. Stripes are showing in pink, charcoal and orange colours, and spots in black and white tops to coordinate back with the Techno Pants and Shorts.

Andrews Polo: RRP: $89.95 Miller Polo: RRP: $79.95 www.oakley.com.au infoaustralia@oakley.com 1800 034 217

The Techno fabric is a two-way stretch, water repellent, easy-care wash and dry, and now available in new colour white which is anti-see through, very lightweight making perfect pieces for travel. Black taupe and navy are also available in skorts, shorts capris and long pant, in flattering shapes. The travel range has a collection of tops with matching Jackets.

Available in all major pro shops and resorts throughout Australia and New Zealand. www.birdeesport.com

Polos under

$35

Desigrn you own

Order CustOm NOw fOr Xmas

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

TRAVIS MATHEW AVAILABLE NOW FROM THESE LEADING GOLF RETAIL OUTLETS: Power Golf Drummond Golf House of Golf Malvern Sanctuary Cove Royal Qld Indooroopilly Golf Club Victoria Park Golf Complex Charleston Golf Club NSW Golf Club Pymble Golf Club Pennant Hills Golf Club The National Golf Club Sandhurst Golf Club Thirteenth Beach Golf Links Kingston Heath Golf Club Kooyonga Golf Club Wembley Golf Club Mt Lawley Golf Club Plus other golf retailers around the country.

Dealer Enquiries (07) 3265 4211

instruction

Power for senior golfers without changing your swing mechanics Step 2 – Feet placement David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205

he PGA Legends tour was in town again recently and I was lucky enough to enjoy the company of my fellow golf professionals and amateurs whilst playing in local Pro-Ams. The Legends Tour consists of PGA professionals who are over 50 and past our golf youthfulness. We have learned to play to our strengths in our mature years. The most common question I am asked by my playing partners in Pro-Ams is how to regain strength, power and flexibility in their golf swing. My answer is to work with your existing swing and don’t fall into the trap of trying to rebuild it. Below are four simple steps that will help you regain some of the power and flexibility without making radical changes to your swing.

Step 1 – Check your grip As an older player it will assist you to have a stronger grip. Do this by placing your left hand further over on the club where you can see 3 to 4 knuckles. This should place the thumb of your left hand slightly down the right side of your golf grip. Place your right hand on the club to fit the left hand (reverse this for a left-handed player).

Place your right foot slightly back in your stance. This will mean your feet are aiming a little bit to the right of your target. Keep your shoulders square to your target line. This will encourage the club to swing slightly more from the inside and create solid contact which will allow more turn in your backswing. It will give more topspin in your ball flight and create more power.

Step 3 – Place your ball back in your stance The above changes will mean that you need to move the ball slightly back in your stance. This will create a more descending hit at impact which will again give the ball flight more topspin. For example, if using your driver make sure the ball is approximately an inch or two further to the right in your stance instead of it being in line with your left heel. With a 7-iron it should be slightly to the right of the middle of your stance and so on.

Step 4 – Strength and flexibility Exercise and being active is the key to keeping our bodies strong and flexible. For added strength and flexibility in the golf swing try practicing with a weighted club for 2 to 3 minutes each day. The club need only be slightly heavier than normal and practice swinging without hitting a ball. This will build a free flowing swing and strengthen your golf muscles as well as helping with flexibility.

Left hand stronger, ball slightly back in your stance.

Right foot back slightly closed, shoulders square to target.

There are many exercises available to stretch and strengthen your hips and lower back which will also help with flexibility. Exercises for hip flexibility are useful to maintain flexibility through the golf swing. Find one that is right for you and give those muscles a good daily stretch. As with all exercise if it hurts don’t do it and if in doubt seek medical advice about the best stretch for you.

For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA golf professional or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Club on the Gold Coast. •

Try these tips and see how much better your ball flight becomes. Maximum results, minimum change.

The Flinders Golf Club “Flinders is one of those unique coastal courses…….not quite links…..neither is it woodland or marsh, that perches high on the cliff top, making it a distant cousin of Pebble Beach and a relative of Murfield.... The Flinders golf course is friendly yet full of surprises and intrigue. Bring all your clubs because you are going to need them and a good understanding of what Golf is all about.” Peter Thomson OBE

A three-time winner of the Queensland PGA Legends championship held at Redland Bay Golf Club, David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact him on 0412 44 22 05.

Green fees: Weekend $49 Midweek $35 Exceptional Corporate Golf and Social Group packages are now available.

Book online and receive a further $5 discount www.flindersgolfclub.com.au Proshop: (03) 5989 0583 www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

instruction

How to make more putts consistently Randall Hollands Smith

rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com

ne of the most frustrating parts of playing golf is that you can hit a drive of 250 meters and you can hole a putt from just 6 inches and yet they still count as one shot each. It is for this reason that we would like to discuss the key points associated with consistent putting. One of the most important aspects of effective putting is the correct ball positioning. This area is crucial for achieving the correct impact alignments of the putter in order to achieve the correct roll of the golf ball off the putter face. For this reason you will notice in photo 1 that the correct ball position should be somewhere in-between your left shoulder and your left ear. You will also notice in this photo that Rachel’s hands are located in line with the ball position ensuring that she has not added loft or delofted the putter face, which in turn would affect the roll of the ball off the club face. Apart from having the ball correctly positioned within your stance, another of the most important aspects to putting effectively is to ensure that you have your eyes correctly positioned. As with any high accuracy or precision sport it is absolutely critical that you have your eyes positioned both correctly over the golf ball but also along the intended target line of your putt. In photo 2 you will notice that Rachel has her eyes positioned directly over the golf ball, this will ensure that the intended target line or path of the putt is not distorted either too far too the right or too far too the left. Not only is it crucial

Golf ball position to ensure that your eyes are directly over the golf ball and its intended path it is also equally as important to ensure that both of your eyes are parallel to your intended target line. One of the most common faults we see when teaching the more advanced players is that when they are having problems with the putting it is quite often from the eyes not being correctly aligned to the intended target line. Either the player has them aligned too far too the right or left of the target line resulting in the golfer pushing or pulling their putts. Once you have positioned both your eyes and golf ball correctly within your stance one of the last check points should be the position of your arms in relation to your putter shaft (Plane line). In our experience

Eye line position

Shaft plane

the type of equipment that the student is using can directly influence this particular aspect of a golfer’s set up. What we mean by this is that there is quite a difference in the types of equipment available to the public now and unfortunately not many people are given the correct advice as to the type of putter you personally should use. One of the most important aspects when picking the correct putter is to ensure your forearms are in line with your putter shaft at all times. In photo 3 you will notice that the white line of the pole runs directly up Rachel’s putter

shaft and extends through her forearms to her elbow. By ensuring that her putter shaft and forearms are on the correct plane she is not altering or distorting the lie angle of the putter which in turn affects the positioning of the putter face in relation to the target line. As you can see, putting does not have to be a complex issue with a multitude of points to remember to ensure sound putting. If you follow these few key points we are sure that you will not only improve your putting but will get that consistency also. •

Randall is an Instructor at the Rachel Hetherington Golf Range, 425 Piggabeen Road, Cobaki Lakes, 2486, and is available for lessons specialising in video analysis and launch monitor. Please contact Randall on 04 08381 924, or the Golf Range on 07 5590 7686 or email rhs_golfpro@hotmail.com for further information.

Queensland Golf School of Excellence Senior, Development and Junior Squad enrolments Years 4 – 12 Coaching and instruction by leading professionals

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proudly supported by CRICOS#00608A

For more information please contact Dave Kuchler on 07 3552 7346 or email dkuch1@eq.edu.au, including name, age, handicap, golf club and phone number. For enrolment applications please contact Jessie Ehrenberg on 07 3552 7340 or email jehre7@eq.edu.au Visit kelvingrovesc.eq.edu.au

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

clubs

Wollongong GC snares top award COMPLEMENTING a super year of achievement for the Wollongong Golf Club, general manager Leigh Hingston was recently named the 2014 Golf Management Australia NSW Club Manager of the Year. “The award recognises the positive outcomes that Wollongong Golf Club has achieved through course redevelopment, strategic planning and an unending drive to promote the viability of the club and the contributions that Hingston has made in these endeavours,” said the Wollongong’s marketing manager Nathan Spithill. In accepting the award, Hingston thanked the board and the Wollongong Golf Club team for their ongoing support. “This recognition is for all the staff at Wollongong Golf Club who work tirelessly with passion, supporting our vision and purpose.” said Hingston, who has been in the role for the past two-anda-half years. “The effort and contributions of our team in ensuring that Wollongong has some of the best club facilities within NSW and the ACT has been nothing short of remarkable. “We are extremely pleased with the outcomes of our recent redevelopments and to be recognised in this way is quite amazing.” Hingston will travel to San Antonio, Texas to represent Wollongong Golf Club and Golf Management Australia at the World Conference and Club Business Expo in March 2015.

Gailes – 90 years of golfing tradition Gailes golf course

AILES Golf Club in Brisbane’s western suburbs turned 90 this year and, so far, it’s been a year of celebrations and growth. To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the club started the year when it called on one of the club’s oldest members, Harry Horstmann, and one of its youngest, four-year-old Eli McGrath, to be the first to tee off at the start of the club’s 90th year. “Harry is 95 and is still playing competition golf,” said the club’s general manager Robert Thomson. “He has been a member of the club for 77-and-a-half years.”

the academy. “Luke Prosser Golf includes Trackman for all players and golf equipment as well as the latest Quintic putting analysis for players of all handicaps. “Scratch markers, mid- and high-handicap players can use this equipment to hone their skills. “We are promoting this to not only the members, but to schools and all golfers throughout the area.” It’s a popular program and anyone interested would need to book a time.

With 72 bunkers, and very little water it has the appeal of a traditional golf course because of its tree-lined fairways and abundance of wildlife. “It is a very challenging and traditional course especially off the black and blue markers,” Thomson said. What makes Gailes unique is that on no tee or fairway do golfers look into the sun and all fairways have a slight slope to keep water from laying on the surface. There have been a number of minor course improvements over the years, but the original layout remains largely the same.

Another initiative this year has been the opening of the Gailes Golf Academy.

“Prices are very reasonable to get your game right up there,” Thomson said.

“It’s open to all juniors and budding champions whether they are 80 years old or four years old,” Thomson said.

Established in 1924, Gailes is one of only three Queensland clubs to have the honour of hosting the Australian Open.

“This is in conjunction with club professional Luke Prosser, who has started the Luke Prosser Golf with the first indoor coaching facility.

The others are Royal Queensland and The Grand golf clubs.

He walked away £150 richer and the Australian Open to add to his four British Open and nine South African Open titles.

For more information, call the club on (07) 3271-2333. •

“It has all the latest equipment to support

For the record, Gailes hosted the 1955 Australian Open won by legendary South African Bobby Locke.

LF L gO AR A N E EgIO HE y WA R ITy OF T L FACI

For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play the award-winning Graham Marsh designed championship course. Situated in the heart of the West Australian Goldfields, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the best public access courses in the country. AFFILIATED COURSE OF THE NULLARBOR LINKS Phone: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.co | www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

World Class Golf in the Outback 64

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

Keperra Bowl grows into top event

HERE might be more than the usual chatter about the 17th hole during this year’s 72-hole Keperra Bowl at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane from October 14-17.

Australian club golf ended the latest financial year on a high with the number of club competition rounds increasing by more than 5% on the previous year according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council.

That’s because the already challenging par3 hole has been lengthened to 191 metres. What’s required is a well-struck shot that is virtually all water carry.

Following a comparably stronger summer this year than in 2013, the April to June quarter averaged monthly increases of 8.5%.

Also protecting the green are bunkers front, left and right and a creek behind the green so club selection becomes vital.

The stand-out states were South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales with rounds over the quarterly period growing by 18%, 15% and 13% respectively.

The club general manager Gavin Lawrence said the 17th was already a good test prior to the extra length. “When it comes down to the 71st hole this year it will pose a few questions to a few players again,” he said.

For the financial year, results were up by 5.6% nationally on 12-13 figures, with growth in male rounds twice that of female rounds.

Mind you, the elite field first will have to negotiate the demanding dogleg 15th (361m) and 397m 16th holes and then the tricky twotier 18th green. Over-clubbing on the approach to the 376m 18th green leaves a delicate recovery shot and the likelihood of a bogey or worse. “When you look at holes 15, 16, 17 and 18 these are four very strong holes to finish any golf round let alone a 72-hole event,” Lawrence added. First played in 2004, the Keperra Bowl has beanstalked its way to becoming a must-play event. Marc Leishman, who plays on the US PGA Tour, won the inaugural title. Since then, players of the calibre of Andrew Dodt, who won the Queensland Open last month, former New Zealand Open champion Jake Higginbottom, Matt Griffin, Brady Watt and Daniel Nisbet have had their names etched on the trophy.

Healthy increase in rounds of golf

The challenging 191m par-3 17th will have players second-guessing. Jason Day played in the event, but couldn’t win the prestigious event.

have a strong field this year with the players coming down to Australia,” Lawrence said.

Defending champion and one of Australia’s hottest amateur golfers, Taylor Macdonald, will be back to defend his title.

Lawrence said course conditions would be different to last year.

This year the tournament could be upgraded on several fronts. It’s always attracted the odd international player, but with the Asia-Pacific Championship following the Keperra Bowl it’s hoped players from the Asia-Pacific region will use the Bowl as a warm-up to that event. “We are anticipating an international flavour and all things going well we will

“We are expecting the golf course will play longer than last year because the fairways are lusher,” he said. “The course will be set up to championship conditions in October and it will be a good challenge to all who tee it up.” Anyone interested in watching some of the world’s best amateurs should head for Duggan Street, Keperra later this month. Entry is free. •

The end of financial year result was heavily driven by considerable growth across all of Queensland where competition rounds increased by 13% on the number played in the previous financial year. Figures in Queensland were equally positive across metropolitan and regional areas. New South Wales recorded 7% growth over the same period while South Australia increased by 3.4% and Victoria by 2.4%. Western Australia and Tasmania both recorded declines in competition rounds over the financial year.

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golf nsw

Davidson wins fifth Women’s NSW Sand Greens Championship

enterfield’s Val Davidson narrowly won the 2014 Women’s NSW Sand Greens Championship after shooting a final round of 77 off the stick to edge out Elizabeth Hobday (Inverell) by a shot. Elizabeth equalled the low round of the event by also posting 77 to go with her first round 80. This victory was Davidson’s fifth NSW Sand Greens Championship. In Division 1, Elizabeth Hodbay was only a shot back from Val Davidson on a total 36-hole score of 157 which gave her the prize of 36-hole Scratch Winner. In the nett competition Julie Presnell (Walcha) edged out her fellow club player Vicki Heffernan by only a single shot by having a 36-hole score of 135. For the daily nett prizes, on Day 1 Kay Hobbs (Tamworth) had a score of 67 with Day 2 winner Janice Egan (Glen Innes) taking out the prize with a 66 nett.

a great event by shooting a 36-hole gross total of 178 to take out the scratch prize. In the nett competition Coleambally’s June Shields had some exceptional scoring over the two rounds to post an unbeatable total of 131. Coming runner-up in the 36-hole Nett for Division 2 was Di Goodare (Manilla) who won on a countback with 134. For the daily nett prizes in Division 2, on Day 1, Jean Potter (Werris Creek) had a score of 65 with Polly Locke (Walcha) taking out the Day 2 prize. In the teams events, the New England District team were victorious in the SWLGA Bowl, which comprised of Val Davidson, Elizabeth Hobday and Janice Egan, with a score of 313 on a countback. In the RLGA Jug, Coleambally were successful with their team comprising of Fay Schliebs, Janine Evans and June Shields.

2014 Champion Val Davidson

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In Division 2, Jann Moore (Werris Creek) had

A wonderful Women’s Weekend Tournament

t was a fabulous weekend of golf for all that participated in the 2014 Women’s Weekend Tournament, held in August at The Vintage Golf Club.

and Caryn Wallis from Manly Golf Club and the grouping of Margaret Fenwicke, Robyn Penman, Judy Lobsey and Robyn Pritchard from Longyard Golf Club in third place.

This year’s event saw 240 ladies travel from all over the state to participate in the annual tournament. The event has been running since 2006 and has become increasingly popular with entries filling well before the closing date.

Another great score of +11 secured a win in the afternoon field for Concord’s Carolyn Harkin, Janelle O’Halloran, Robin Lightfoot & Ocean Shores Robyn Greeves. Runners up on +9 were Lisa Neal (Cronulla), Tracy Faull (Cronulla), Susan Howard (Bardwell Valley) & Ruth Perkins (Georges River). A four-way countback decided third place with Carolyn Cochrane (Avondale), Melissa Chapman (Avondale), Jan Freed (Killara) & Michele Watts (Chatswood) with +8 c/b.

The format for Saturday’s event was a single stableford played in two divisions - plus to 18 and 19 to 45. The weather conditions were favourable for the morning players to kick off the event, but the conditions soon turned gloomy after the afternoon players teed off, experiencing an unpleasant heavy downpour. Manly Golf Club’s Janet Meagher (12) has had a fabulous round of 40 points to win Division One by a massive eight shots in front of the field. Coming in second place was Stephanie Croft (19) from Kogarah Golf Club with 32 points. Margaret Neeson (13) from

AM Team Winners - Martha Eyre, Marie Ticehurst, Marisa Duggan and Pam Russell. Randwick Golf Club had 31 points for third place. Division Two’s winner was Jacqui Page (31) from Concord Golf Club securing the win with 31 points. Runner Up was Sharlene Wong (21) from Ryde-Parramattta Golf Club with 30 points on a countback from Marissa Wong (32), also from Ryde-Parramatta with 30 points on a countback for third place. The format for Sunday’s event was a Four Person Team V Par with one score to count. The winning score for the morning players was +11 recorded by Kogarah’s Martha Eyre,

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Afternoon Winners - Carolyn Harkin, Janelle O’Halloran, Robin Lightfoot and Robyn Greeves. Marie Ticehurst, Marisa Duggan and New Zealand visitor, Pam Russell from Waverley GC. It wasa tight run for second place with three teams on score of +9, runners up going to Beth Haskins, Jodie Lord, Janet Meagher

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Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Kevin Croak, Yvonne Dixon, John Hedrick, Robert Loadsman, Colin Longbottom, Leonard Robinson, Robert Salkeld, Kees Spoelder, and Geoff Wishart.

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golf queensland

McBride claims top amateur title

Queensland Men’s Country wraps up for another year Stroke Championship Adam Gemmell (Laidley) has won the stroke event of Queensland Men’s Country at Indooroopilly and Redcliffe Golf Clubs.

Kade McBride State team member Kade McBride bounced back strongly with a final round 69 to claim leading amateur honours at the Isuzu Queensland Open. McBride, 19, claimed a top-10 finish with rounds of 66-72-79-69 to be threeunder par on the testing Brookwater course. Considering he was close to withdrawing from the tournament with a hip injury, McBride’s performance was especially commendable. “I was very disappointed with my round on Saturday. My ball-striking wasn’t there and I made some bad decisions around the greens,’’ said McBride, a member at Lakelands on the Gold Coast. “Today I went out to play the way I’d done on the opening two days and made some really good putts under pressure. “I’m really happy....if my third round had been better who knows what might have happened. It was all a learning experience.’’ McBride had a three shot margin over fellow state team member Taylor MacDonald who also closed with a 69. Next best amateur was Sunshine Coast pre-qualifier Shae Wools-Cobb who carded a 74 to finished tied 24 at threeover.

Foursomes Championship Nudgee Golf Club hosted the Foursomes section, with 110 players vying for their Divisional Titles. Adam Gemmell extended his success in Country Week to claim the Foursomes Championship with fellow Laidley member and good friend, Chris Fraser, by 5 shots from City members Anthony Timms and Jason McWilliam. Norm Mitchell and Stephen Wright (City) won the Nett section for the second consecutive year with a score of 69.5, to narrowly defeat Rockhampton visitors William Gunzler and Robert Lindley by half a shot. John Smith (Craignish) and Michael Treahy (Blackwater) signed for 89 and a oneshot victory over Nev Pederson and Dan Darlington (Goombungee). Nett winners by two shots were Barry Thoms (Ipswich) and Chris Bath (Rosewood) with a 68. Moranbah members John Roberts and Kevin Nunn secured second place. Fourball Championship Under cloudy skies, players headed to

Gary Ellis just might be the most overqualified car park attendant in history. Ellis’ cheery manner greeted players, caddies, officials and the public as they turned up for Saturday’s third round of the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater. This was Ellis’ first experience working as a volunteer at a golf tournament and on Saturday he was rostered on the car park. On Friday he had recorded scores on the 18th hole and radioed them to the tournament office.

Gemmell fired a one-under-par round 71 at Indooroopilly to hold a three shot lead after the first round. A second round three-overpar 75 in blustery conditions at Redcliffe was enough to claim this year’s stroke event. Gin Gin member Scott Warren finished runner up three shots back after returning rounds of 77,72-149. The Blackwater Team of Bruce Winn, Lachlan Ferguson, Sean McCarthy and Kurt Kingston won the teams event after having a Nett Aggregate score of 441.

Volunteers make tournaments tick

“Let’s be honest, nobody really wants to be a car park attendant,’’ laughed Ellis. About 35 volunteers worked at the Queensland Open. They are invaluable... they make the tournament tick. Virginia Golf Club for the final day. Gayndah pairing Peter Ulcoq and Bevan Young snuck home with a one point victory (46 points) from Country Week regulars Adam Rayner (Bundaberg) and Graeme Kerby (Biggenden). In third place on count-back were another Gayndah pair - Brent Chambers and Jeremy Zahl. A special mention to Gordon Dowling from Biggenden who celebrated his 50th year at the Queensland Men’s Country Week. “Finally I have won something after 50 years,” he said after winning the C Grade Stroke event by three shots. It is his passion for Country Week which sees the largest contingent of players from Biggenden converge on Brisbane every year. Great appreciation is extended to all four hosts (Indooroopilly, Redcliffe, Nudgee and Virginia) for the fantastic manner in which their courses were presented and the hospitality extended to the participants. City Golf Club Motel Toowoomba are also to be congratulated on their continued support of country golf. They do a wonderful job promoting country golf, as well as supporting the annual Queensland Sand Green Championships.

Ellis, who holds a Masters of Business Administration degree, recently returned to Queensland after two years in charge of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival where he managed 220 staff and oversaw a budget of $15million. “My budget in Abu Dhabi was more than the combined budget I had for 12 years running the Brisbane International Film Festival,’’ he said. “Festivals and events have always been my business and it is all about putting on a show...whether it be an international film festival or a golf tournament,’’ he said. Ellis said his volunteering stint at Brookwater was “A quirk of fate’’. “My partner and I attended a Springfield business leaders meeting at Brookwater not long ago and I met Lindsay Ellis (CEO Golf Queensland). He was talking about the Queensland Open and I thought ‘why not volunteer’. “I couldn’t be a caddie because I don’t know enough about golf. But I’ve enjoyed the experience, met some nice people and I’d definitely do it again,’’ he said.

Queensland Boys and Girls Amateur Championship Monday 8 – Thursday 11 December 2014 Indooroopilly Golf Club Entries close Friday 21 November www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

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www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

seniors

VICTORIA

Claney shines in Sandbelt week E

very year the Victorian Senior Order of Merit competition is played on many great courses across Victoria but undoubtedly the best week of the year is Sandbelt Week. This year, in the space of eight days, senior golfers played on six of the best courses in Australia. Results for the 2014 Sandbelt Week: Yarra Yarra Seniors Crisp conditions greeted the eighty nine competitors taking part in the 2014 edition of the Yarra Yarra ‘Ray Barned’ Senior Amateur held at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. Named in honour of Ray Barned, a former VGA Council member and long-time supporter of senior golf in Victoria, the event began a highly anticipated week-long series of senior amateur events taking place across Melbourne’s famed sandbelt layouts. The testing conditions meant that many in the field struggled to produce their best golf and at day’s end it was Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath) who prevailed with a score of 77 to take home the ninth annual Ray Barned trophy. Larry Maxwell (Heathcote) finished in second place with a score of 80 on a countback. The handicap honours for the event went to Muswellbrook visitor Gary Morley with a nett score of 72. Ian Henry from Brighton Golf Club finished second on 74. Kingston Heath Seniors A full field of 100 players enjoyed their day on this championship course that has been host to many major events. Gordon Claney continued his winning streak to take out the gross section by one stroke over WA visitor John Banting (Royal Perth). Claney carded a four over 76 on home soil to secure another title to go alongside his Yarra Yarra win the previous day. Banting edged out Michael Doutch, Tony Hyde, and Alex Cairncross in a four-way count-back on 77. In the nett section, William Riddle from Howlong came in with the best score of the day. The 18 marker had a fantastic nett 70 (gross 88) to win by 1 shot from Southern member Larry Vennell (Handicap 13) on nett 71.

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Victoria Seniors The superb Victoria Golf Club layout was home to the late Doug Bachli, a life member and 12 time club champion of the Victorian Golf Club. Bachli’s incredible list of achievements includes two Australian Amateur Championships as well as being the first Australian to win the British Amateur title. This event is one of the most highly anticipated and fiercely contested events on the senior calendar and this year was no different. Seventy six competitors from Victoria and interstate teed it up and pleasant conditions greeted the field at one of Victoria’s premier courses which was once again presented in first class condition. Gordon Claney made it three titles in a row with a win in the Victoria Golf Club Senior Amateur. There was no stopping Claney and he played beautifully to record a score of 75 on the Par 72 layout. This time the victory was on a countback from Michael Doutch (Woodlands) who also recorded a round of 75. In the nett, Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram) had a fine day recording a 69 nett score off his daily handicap of 14. Royal Melbourne Seniors Not always do you get a beautiful sunny winter’s day in August, and to get it while playing Royal Melbourne is a special treat. That’s exactly what greeted the 104 players in the 2014 Royal Melbourne Senior Amateur. Barry Tippett (13th Beach) played consistent golf all day in his score of four over par 76 with a highlight being a birdie on his final hole - the temporary 19th hole. This birdie was to prove very valuable as Tippett eventually defeated South Australia’s John Keogh on a countback. In the nett, Adam Charleston claimed the prize with a 71 nett off a handicap of 6. A special presentation was made for the late Ray Barned, who sadly passed away the previous day. Ray was known to many of the player’s and they recognised him for his significant contribution towards golf, and in particular senior golf, within Victoria. As a sign of respect, players wore black ribbons while playing in the Royal Melbourne event.

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Metropolitan Plate Wet and windy conditions greeted the eighty two players to tee it up in the 2014 edition of the Metropolitan plate. The magnificent par 72 layout and home of the 2014 Australian Masters was presented as it always is - outstanding condition. Steven Wallace of The National produced a fine back nine of 37 to finish with a round of 76 to take the title over Gordon Claney who finished second on a coun back from two others after this trio returned rounds of 78. Handicap honours went to local John Noy of Metropolitan who used his local knowledge to sneak home on a five way count back from Eddie Klopprogge and three others with a nett score of 72.

weeks firing the round of the day, a one over par 74. Claney’s round was somewhat spoiled by a late triple bogey but in typical champion style he followed this with back-to-back birdies. Handicap honours for the 2014 event went to New South Welshman Darryl Hearsch representing Manly Golf Club with a nett score of 72 from his handicap of 3. “My home club Manly is reciprocal with Commonwealth, and that certainly helped me” said Hearsch in his presentation speech. Runner Up’s were Tony Hyde and Neil Barry in the gross and nett respectively. 2014 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Doug Bachli Trophy - Scratch Player

Commonwealth Seniors 72 competitors teed it up in the final event of the ‘August Senior Sand Belt ‘series at Commonwealth Golf Club. Pleasant conditions provided the field with the opportunity to produce impressive scores on the challenging par 73 layout which was once again presented in excellent condition. In the end it was the remarkable Gordon Claney who made it 4 out of 6 for the two

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NSW’s leading senior golfer, Greg Stanford, has continued on his winning way with victory in the 2014 Carnarvon Seniors. The Carnarvon course was presented in very good condition with a challenging setup that had some well-placed pins and most tees on their “strong blue” position. The scores reflected the challenge this with only one player from a field of 55 senior golfers managing to better his handicap on the day.

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Stanford recorded a round of four over par 76 on the tough Carnarvon course and in doing so made it seven NSW Senior Order of Merit titles this year. He now sits clearly on top of the NSW Senior Order of Merit Rankings. The second best score of the day went to Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale who recorded a round of 77, failing by one stroke to equal Stanford. Bayview’s Dale Tapper continued with his consistent golf and finished in third place with his round of 78 and in doing so consolidated his third place position on the NSW rankings. Robert Lewis (Windsor) had the day’s best handicap score with an excellent net score of 70 from his 10 handicap. Lewis was the only senior to play to or better than his handicap. The runner up in the handicap section was local member John Honeybrook with a net score of 73. Newcastle Seniors: A top quality field enjoyed a beautiful day for the second playing of the Newcastle Senior Amateur, generously sponsored by local company The Cove Village who provide exclusive lifestyle living for the over 55’s. The Newcastle course is one of Australia’s very best and regularly appears close to the top in Best Australian Golf Course lists. For the 2014 Senior Amateur the course was in excellent condition and a setup that showcased the course and certainly presented a real challenge to the field of 90 of NSW’s best seniors.

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Victory went to Port Macquarie senior Brian Sams who made the trip down the coast as he couldn’t miss “another chance to play one of the best courses in Australia”. Sams recorded a three over par round of 75 to edge out ForsterTuncurry senior Alan Symes by one stroke. Third place went to Bexley senior Tom Yates who was another stroke away on 77. More: www.golfnsw.org

Toyne increases lead in Senior Order of Merit

In the 2014 Women’s Senior Order of Merit North Lakes senior and the defending 2013 Order of Merit Champion Wendy O’Connell holds a commanding lead with a total of 1485 points from 8 events. Rosie Glasson is in second place on 1295 with the Annie Llewelwyn (Twin Waters) and Josie Ryan (Headland) not too far away on 1040 points and in a tie for third place. Hervey Bay Seniors: Twin Waters member Neil Mausolf defeated a small field with a round of 82 on the Hervey Bay layout. Rosie Glasson made it a double for the Twin Waters club with her win in the women’s section after a round of 88. Palmer Gold Coast Seniors: Nudgee senior Steve Toyne continued in his winning way with victory in the Palmer Gold Coast Seniors. Toyne, the recent winner of the 54hole Gold Coast Senior Championship, had a round of 75 to defeat Caloundra’s Ian Broom by two strokes. Caloundra’s David Sheridan and Nudgee’s Steve Rowley were tied for third place after rounds of 80. Pacific Harbour Seniors: Yet another win for Nudgee’s Steve Toyne on the highly rated Pacific Harbour golf

course. Pacific Harbour is a championship course and Toyne was able to defeat a good sized field with his round of 80. Keperra’s Lindsay Brown was next on 81 with Ian Broom (Caloundra) and Mario La Chiusa (Nudgee) another stroke away on 82. The women’s section was won by Nudgee’s Adrienne Naismith. 2014 Queensland PresCare Senior Order of Merit Men’s Scratch Player

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CALENDAR > OCTOBER

NSW Men’s Fourball Championship WHEN: 8-9 October WHERE: Bonville Golf Resort

The 2014 NSW Men’s Fourball Championship is about to reach its pinnacle – the State Final. The year-long event will culminate with 40 golfing pairs from around NSW, playing 36-holes over two days. This year there were 174 Clubs across NSW that participated and 3896 pairs. There are 20 Men’s Country Districts, and from this, the winning pair in each Country District playoff qualify for the State Final. The Metropolitan playoff encompasses all Clubs in the Metropolitan District. The leading 20 pairs qualify for the State Final, taking the total number of pairs at the State Final to 40. www.golfnsw.org

Tamborine Mountain Open

WHEN: 10, 11 and 12 October WHERE: Tamborine Mountain Golf Club It’s anticipated that 240 amateur golfers will converge on the Mountain for this year’s annual Tamborine Mountain Open. After last year’s positive experience sponsoring the Hole-in-One competition, Rod Stehr and the Ray White Rural team has announced their naming rights sponsorship of this year’s event, together with support by the Scenic Rim Regional Council. Registration is open with an entry fee of $60, includes meals and play in qualifying rounds on either October 10 or 11. Qualifiers play the Sunday final at no extra cost. Last year’s winner was Liz Howard, the Clubs’ Ladies Captain. For details on the event and the Play & Stay packages please call the Club Pro shop on 07 5545 1788

Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship WHEN: 18-19 October WHERE: Nyngan Golf Club

The 2014 Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship, incorporating the 2014 NSW Junior Boy’s Sand Greens Championship and the 2014 NSW Sand Greens Teams Event, is open to male amateur golfers with a Golf Australia handicap of 27.4 or under, and will be played over two rounds of 18-holes. The Championship includes the popular team’s event whereby teams of three compete, with the two best nett scores each day counting towards the team total. Online entry is just $70 at www.golfnsw.org , while all other forms of entry are $80. Entries close: Friday 3 October at 5.00pm For further information regarding this event please contact Olivia Wilson on olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105.

Dads ‘n’ Lads Day Out at Royal Melbourne

WHEN: Sunday 26 October WHERE: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club WEBSITE: www.aacgolf.com TICKETS: Free entry facebook.com/aacgolf Twitter: @ACC_Golf Dads, bring your lads (or lads, bring your Dads!) along to the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (ACC) at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and rub shoulders with tomorrow’s golfing heroes. Sunday 26 October is dedicated to Dads ‘n’ Lads so pack your lunch and enjoy a day together at Melbourne’s number one golf course where you can witness 120 of the region’s best amateur golfers from 38 countries. Who knows, you could be standing next to Australia’s next Adam Scott! Entry is free and the first 100 people to enter each day will receive a free cap. The 2014 event will be staged from October 23-26 with entry into the 2015 Masters Tournament and places in the 2015 Open Championship Qualifying Series available.

Sapphire Coast Week of Golf WHEN: 18 to 26 October WHERE: Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club

Enjoy the resident kangaroos and picturesque scenery at this year’s 34th Sapphire Coast Week of Golf. With 700 golfers expected to play–travelling from nearly every state in Australia as well as from overseas–players will enjoy mixed events as well as single stableford events on the 27-hole course, with the Men’s Open on the Saturday and Sunday (25th/26th) finishing the week. www.merimbulagolf.com.au

Fast on the Fairways Charity Golf Day WHEN: Wednesday, October 22 WHERE: The Glades GC, Robina, Qld

The Australian V8 Ute Racing Series and SEQ Business Golf, have teamed to host the2nd Annual Australian V8 Ute Racing’s Charity Golf Day. Powered by V8 Superfest and raising much needed funds for Ronald McDonald House (SEQ), this promises to be an adrenalin fueled afternoon on the fairway. Entry Fee includes: Green fees, motorised cart & driving range, Lunch and post-golf meal, golf clinic, V8 Ute Driver meet & greet, plus a special Q&A session, entry into the silent auction. http://seqbusinessgolf.com.au/ about-seqbgg/v8utesgolfday/

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NOVEMBER MOVEMBER 2014

WHEN: 1-30 November Why: Raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health Info: www.movember.com Men around the nation will once again let their upper lips do the talking as they gear up for the annual Movember campaign. With prostate cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men and around one in eight Aussie men experiencing depression at any given time, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the country are helping to change the face of men’s health and join 20 other countries around the world taking part in Movember. While the men in their lives get hairy, Mo Sistas can support them by raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Men’s NSW Country Championship

WHEN: 1-2 November WHERE: Parkes Golf Club The Championship will be played over 36-holes stroke play, with shotgun starts on both days. The Championship also incorporates the Inter-District Teams Challenge between teams from District Golf Associations throughout NSW. The field is always strong, and features representatives from the NSW Open and Junior State Teams, along with talented youngsters and experienced players from the country areas of NSW. An added incentive for the winner of the Championship is automatic entry into the 2014 Men’s NSW Open. Entry is $100 and includes a two-course meal at Parkes Golf Club on the Saturday evening. Entries close: 5pm Friday 17 October. For further information, www.golfnsw.org or contact Olivia Wilson on 02 9505 9105 or olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org.

Special Olympics 54 hole Tag Team Golf tournament

When: 17th November Where: Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Tee off for charity, and help athletes with an intellectual disability. Each team of 2 plays Ambrose for 18 holes, then one player plays the next 9 holes as stroke, then players change for the following 9 holes. Lunch will be served during the two 9-hole stroke play. The final 18 holes will see both players again play Ambrose and partnered with another team of 2 to play 4 ball Ambrose. Registration is a non-refundable $300.00pp deposit and fundraise a minimum of $1200.00pp. Includes breakfast, snacks and drinks on course, sit down dinner and plenty of prizes. Every player will receive a players gift pack from Srixon valued at approx $150.00, including one dozen Srixon Golf Balls. For more information about sponsorship or to register, contact David Streichler on 0428 038 311 or email davids@specialolympics.com.au

Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic

When: Thursday 13th November Where: Monash Country Club, Ingleside Cromwell Property Group presents the 8th Anniversary Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic. The fun-filled day will include on-course competitions including NTP, LD and the famous putting competition. Your support will assist in raising awareness and money to fund essential research and support services for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Proceeds go to the Parkinson’s Counselling Service; a vital program that helps take away much of the initial anxiety and uncertainty that confronts people with the disease. To participate please complete the registration form at http://pnswgolfclassic.gofundraise.com.au, or contact the Events & Fundraising department on 02 8875 8900 or email pnsw@parkinsonsnsw.org.au

2014 Australian Masters

WHEN: 20-23 November 2014 WHERE: The Metropolitan Golf Club, Golf Road, Oakleigh South Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au Free entry for kids under 16 with a paying adult The Metropolitan Golf Club will play host to the 36th Australian Masters for the first time with the nation’s best golfers set to converge on the illustrious Sandbelt course from 20-23 November. An event steeped in tradition, Adam Scott created Masters’ history in 2013 when he successfully defended his 2012 title, the first player to do so since Greg Norman in 1990. Played on the par 72 Championship Course, the 6556 metre long layout will test players accuracy off the tee with tree lined fairways and putting on deceptively tricky greens. For more information go to www.australianmasters.com.au or follow the Masters on Twitter @aussiemasters or Facebook at www.facebook.com/australianmasters.

Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough. The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 4th Qualifying Round 29th October 2014 5th Qualifying Round 12th November 2014 Final 26th November 2014 Lynwood Country Club 253 Pitt Town Bottoms Road, Pitt Town NSW 2756 3rd Qualifying Round 4th October 2014 4th Qualifying Round 11th October 2014 5th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 Final 30th November 2014 Moss Vale Golf Club 38-48 Arthur Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577 Final 19th October 2014 Orange Ex-Services Country Club 231-243 Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800 3rd Qualifying Round 4th October 2014 4th Qualifying Round 11th October 2014 5th Qualifying Round 18th October 2014 Final 2nd November 2014 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 3rd Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 22nd November 2014 Final 29th November 2014 Singleton Golf Club 51 Boundary Street, Singleton NSW 2330 3rd Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 22nd November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 13th December 2014 Final 14th December 2014 Sandhurst Golf Club 75 Sandhurst Blvd, Sandhurst VIC 3977 1st Qualifying Round 2nd October 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 9th October 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 16th October 2014 4th Qualifying Round 23rd October 2014 5th Qualifying Round 30th October 2014 Final 6th November 2014 Wentworth Golf Club 130 Ploughmans Lane, Orange NSW 2800 1st Qualifying Round 11th October 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 18th October 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 1st November 2014 4th Qualifying Round 8th November 2014 5th Qualifying Round 15th November 2014 Final 23rd November 2014

GOLF NSW – OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Start Date

End Date

07-Oct-14

10-Oct-14

18-Oct-14

19-Oct-14

20-Oct-14

23-Oct-14

Event Venue NSW Men's Fourball Championship - State Bonville Golf Resort Final Men's NSW Sand Nyngan GC Greens Championship Blackheath, Lithgow, Women's Mountain Leura & Wentworth Meeting Falls GC's

Men’s Vardon Events Start Date 03-Oct-14 04-Oct-14 04-Oct-14 11-Oct-14 19-Oct-14

End Date 05-Oct-14 05-Oct-14 04-Oct-14 11-Oct-14 19-Oct-14

25-Oct-14

26-Oct-14

25-Oct-14

Event City of Sydney Amateur Mudgee Open Gosford Open Mona Vale Medal Bankstown Cup North Coast Open Amateur Bathurst Cup

Venue Moore Park GC Mudgee GC Gosford GC Mona Vale GC Bankstown GC Coffs Harbour GC Bathurst GC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

End Date

04-Oct-14

05-Oct-14

10-Oct-14

25-Oct-14

26-Oct-14

Event City of Sydney Women's Amateur Catalina Ladies Open Coffs Harbour Ladies Classic

Venue Moore Park GC Catalina CC Coffs Harbour GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date End Date Event 06-Oct-14 06-Oct-14 Liverpool Seniors Windsor Seniors 09-Oct-14 09-Oct-14 Foundation Shield Merewether Seniors 13-Oct-14 13-Oct-14 includes Lake Macquarie Seniors Charlestown Seniors 14-Oct-14 14-Oct-14 includes Lake Macquarie Seniors Waratah Seniors 15-Oct-14 15-Oct-14 includes Lake Macquarie Seniors

Venue Liverpool GC Windsor CC Merewether GC Toronto GC Waratah GC

Pennants / Grade Start Date

End Date

12-Oct-14

19-Oct-14

Event Warren and Gibson Trophies – Semi Finals Warren and Gibson Trophies – Final

Venue Various Richmond GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS Sept 30-Oct 2 * Australian Senior Amateur at Mandurah GC (WA) October 1 Brookwater Seniors (QLD) October 3 Gailes Seniors (QLD) October 6 Liverpool Seniors (NSW) October 9 Windsor Seniors (NSW) October 9-10 Hidden Valley Seniors (VIC) October 13 Merewether Seniors (NSW) October 14 Toronto Seniors (NSW) October 15 Waratah Seniors (NSW) October 20-22 * Victorian Senior Amateur at Rosebud GC (VIC) October 20-21 Warwick Seniors (QLD) October 23 Toowoomba City Seniors (QLD) October 24 Toowoomba Seniors (QLD) October 27-29 * Australian Senior Matchplay at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads GC (QLD) November 3 Virginia Seniors (QLD) November 4-5 Sorrento Seniors (VIC) November 6 Twin Creeks Senior (NSW) November 10-11 Melbourne Senior Classic 0 Woodlands & Spring Valley (VIC) November 11-13 * ACT Senior Amateur Championship (NSW) November 19-21 Asia Pacific Senior Amateur Championship, Hong Kong November 23-24 Mollymook Seniors (NSW) November 25 Oxley Seniors (QLD) November 27-28 Moyne Senior Classic (VIC)

* Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

events

Norman influence to remain with NSW Open

fter a successful return to metropolitan Sydney in 2013, the historic NSW Open Golf Championship moves to the much heralded Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club near Blacktown for 2014.

Golf Fore A Cause (GFAC) is the Drummond Golf initiative in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Both organisations are about building awareness and finding a cure. Drummond Golf has pledged to raise $600,000 ($300k each) by the end of 2016.

As the only Greg Norman designed golf course in Sydney, Stonecutters Ridge is fast developing a reputation for being an excellent layout, featuring all the hallmarks of a Norman design. Despite only opening in 2012, it has already been ranked No.67 in Australian Golf Digest’s top 100 golf courses in Australia – it will provide a stern test for Australia’s professional golfers in their quest to become the NSW Open champion.

Playing from dawn to dusk to support two great charities, you will need to bring your strength, stamina, sense of humour and three likeminded golfing buddies.

2013 NSW Open Champion Aron Price

The link with Norman, who won four NSW Open titles during his illustrious career, continues the strong association between the iconic tournament and arguably Australia’s’ greatest golfer. “We are excited to bring this tournament to Western Sydney and for Stonecutters Ridge to be the host venue – I’m sure it will showcase its wonderful facilities and first class golf course to not only the players but to the broader community” said Golf NSW CEO, Stuart Fraser. “The course will encourage some attacking golf over all four rounds, from what we expect will be the best playing field in decades” he added. With the 2013 tournament featuring the likes of Nick O’Hern, Peter O’Malley, eventual winner and US Tour player Aron Price, fellow US Tour player Ashley Hall and PGA Tour winner Steve Bowditch, the event will be a great opportunity to see some of our best players up close and personal. “Our aim this year is to encourage all spectators to actually

walk the fairways with the players – the players enjoy the relaxed environment at the NSW Open which is far less restricted than at all other events they play and brings the crowd more into the event,” Fraser said. Sponsorship opportunities are still available which provide the chance to play in the tournament Pro-Am, corporate hospitality access, signage and promotional activities. For all enquiries please contact Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or e-mail info@golfnsw.org . The NSW Open has aligned with a charity partner, KidsWest a local children’s charity that raises funds for Medical research, for development and distribution of educational programs in accident awareness, and for medical equipment for children living in western Sydney. The 2014 NSW Open will be held 13th to 16th November, 2014 and spectator entry to the course is FREE. •

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Golf Fore A Cause, 54 holes in a day team challenge

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

N.T.P 3rd - J. Taylor N.T.P 6th - M.Clarke N.T.P 12th - N.Kazich Approach 11th - A. Chamberlain Approach 17th - C.Cheyne

This epic event will take place on the 25th November at Oatlands Golf Club in NSW. Format for the day is fourperson ambrose with modified rules to ensure 54 holes is achieved by all. For those unsure about walking 54 holes, motorised carts will be provided for the last 36 holes. To keep you energised and hydrated, food and drinks will be in abundance all day. Team registration is $850 (non-refundable). This covers course access, food and drinks, motorised buggy; welcome goody bag and event prizes. Each team becomes fundraising heroes as they must raise $1,500 (or $375 per player) to play in the day. Teams that raise over $2,000 go in the draw to win four season passes to the 2014 Emirates Australian Men’s Open Golf (Valued at $500). Teams that raise over $3,000 go in the draw to win four Golf Craft Laser range finders (Valued at $1,000). The team the raises the most will get four stateof-the-art Golf Buddy PT4 GPS units (Valued at $2,000) Space is limited to 18 teams (72 players) so make sure you register early. Go to www.drummondgolf.com or email: ravi. abeyaratne@drummondgolf.com •

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19th hole

Legends (in our own minds) Michael Green

@AussieGolfer

ew sports offer the same tantalising glimpses of brilliance that golf does to the amateur player. We play under the same rules as the professionals, use the same clubs, play the same courses, use the same balls, wear the same clothes and once in a while we get to play the same shots. The difference is that we may only experience these moments of brilliance a handful of times per round whereas your average tour player makes it happen 60 or 70 times. But it’s enough to keep us coming back and the pull is strong enough to make us believe that given enough time to work on our game, we too would be a professional golfer. And it’s not the only golf delusion we submit to so easily. The flatstick fantasy In my opinion, the biggest delusion in the world of amateur golf is the one where golfers think they can shoot good scores without practising their putting. A couple of hours on the range after work is to be admired but to neglect the flatstick is to neglect a huge part of the game. By all means hit hundreds of balls at the range, but don’t go all Bruce Banner when you start racking up those nasty three-putts. The distance delusion Few things are overestimated as much by the weekend golfer as how far he or she can hit the golf ball. It’s a common mistake to see a golfer

not use enough club to get to the green in either an act of bravado or assuming the best shot they hit on the range on Friday night will go the same distance as this shot of the rough. A lesson will fix it Just like a session at the physio, a golf lesson will only result in long-term success if you put the time into practising what you’ve been told. Undoing bad habits such as slouching in front of the computer or swinging ‘outside-in’ is not an easy thing to fix quickly. Get a lesson, heed the advice and then go and practice. Fashion and equipment While I’m all for the crazy clothes and unmatched styles in the fairways, there are a large number of golfers who upon dressing like the professionals, assume their golf game will follow suit. The same goes for golf clubs. Those new sweet and shiny drivers can still slice the ball as good as your old one. From the carpark to the first tee I’m as guilty as the next golfer at believing this delusion. The chances of playing a good round of golf if you arrive at the golf course and head straight to the first tee are slim. Sure, the odd good round will appear from time to time but if it’s consistency you’re looking for, you may find it in the number of times you hit shots from the adjoining fairway. Played well, but didn’t score well Not even the professionals are immune to this one. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard something along the lines of “I hit the ball really well, but just didn’t score very well”. Scoring is the game of golf. In fact, it’s the ultimate measure of your golf game.

The magic tip You’re on the couch flicking through the latest issue of your favourite golf magazine when you stumble upon a swing tip that you’re certain will solve all of those driving, chipping and putting problems you had on course yesterday. Yes, that’s the one. That’s the one that will turn your ungainly looking golf swing into a thing of beauty and turn yesterday’s 24 points into 42 points next week. If only it were that simple. You’re off a handicap of 10, you should shoot 10-over par It’s not just the non-golfers who think this is the case, we’re all guilty of this one. The handicap is a measure of your potential...

not your most common score. But it’s dream inducing all the same. None of us believe our current handicap is as low as we will go. We’ve seen the potential first-hand and we know we’re better than this. The yips will go away To be fair this was suggested to me by a few golfing buddies who’ve suffered more than their fair share of the dreaded yips over the years. As harsh as it sounds, this is mostly true as very few golfers have overcome the yips. If you need inspiration though, look to Bernard Langer. The German has won over 40 golf tournaments since suffering from the yips. Perhaps they’re not delusions after all. •

Play on the Gold Coast in 2014!

Nightly entertainment

Over 40 sports

12,000 participants

Enter Now! mastersgames.com.au

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1 - 9 November 2014 74

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

19th hole

Month of Pink at Pacific Dunes

Glad was honoured with a Life Membership, something she regards as very special. Glad is associated with the Glad Todkill Gold Medal. The play-off for the Medal is held at the end of season each year and is contested by the WWGC monthly medal winners.

acific Dunes are set to hold a Pink Charity Golf Day, hosted by KerriAnne Kennerley to raise funds for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. Scheduled for Wednesday 29th October, the four-person Ambrose event will include an 8am shotgun start and a full lunch.

90 years and still young winning

During the month of October, Pacific Dunes will also continue the fundraising efforts with the ‘Month of Pink’. Pacific Dunes Golf Club will be turning pink for charity, with pink signage, flags and poles, balls and even pink food in the Café and Bar. $2 from every paid golf round and $1 from every mug of coffee sold will also be donated, along with money raised from the Golf Day. Both the Golf Event and ‘Month of Pink’ opportunity will provide sponsors with a unique chance to gain exposure for their business to a large and diverse audience through internal Clubhouse marketing material, Club newsletters, online and social media outlets as well as on-course signage and branding during the event. Pacific Dunes Golf Club has quickly established a reputation for being among the premier golf venues in NSW, providing a unique golfing experience on the 18-hole championship golf course. It has played host to a number of charity golf days, offering players and sponsors a valuable opportunity to play a deluxe layout, enjoy the hospitality

Glad Todkill has been a member of Waratah Women’s Golf Club since 1960 and continues to play to this day. Over the 54 years of her membership she has served on various WWGC committees as Captain, President, and Handicap Manager. Glad has represented WWGC in Grade; has been runner-up in Club Championships for B & C Grade. In 1997

Kerri-Anne Kennerley and catering from the popular Dunes Café & Bar, whilst donating to valuable charitable causes. Located in Medowie, only 25 minutes from the Newcastle CBD and 20 minutes from Nelson Bay, this spectacular facility is closer than you think and a drawcard for locals and tourists alike. For more information, contact Pacific Dunes Golf Club on 02 4916 0500 or email at info@pacificdunesgolf.com.au

Vale Rae Livingston

Glad will be turning 90 years in October and continues to play and captured the WWGC Women’s C Grade Championship for 2014, an achievement that was very popular with all members. Waratah lady members hope to continue to see Glad gracing the fairways for many years to come!

Crossword > 1

She returned to Brisbane and later met her second husband John Livingston while on a trip to Scotland.

The late Rae Livingston presents a trophy to a very young Rachel Hetherington. John, a proud Scot, played golf at McLeod and often wore a kilt and played the bagpipes at the club’s social functions. He passed away in 2007. Three cousins, a stepson and step-grandson survive Rae Livingston. Last month, McLeod members played for the Rae Livingston Shield – a honourboard event.

MORE than 180 Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory golfers took part in Mount Coolum Golf Club’s annual Legacy Charity Golf Day last month. The fundraiser was a great success with proceeds generated totalling more than $4700. Legacy and the Cancer Unit of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research will be equal beneficiaries of the funds. On the golf course, Kev Smith edged out Brian Simpson to win the Felix Parry Cup awarded to the best gross score on the day.

The Diggers Cup, awarded to the best stableford score, went to Dave Sunderland.

It was Kevie’s sixth successive win in the popular event.

“The day would not have been a success without their support.”

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Club raises $4700 for charities

Well-known in golfing circles, she later helped establish McLeod Country Golf Club in Brisbane – the first club in Australia to be managed by women.

Rae lived in Mt Isa with her first husband Sam McKenzie, who died in a plane crash in 1966. While there, she spent time crocodile hunting.

Rae played golf from a young age and was a long-standing member of Ashgrove Golf Club.

In 1981, she was elected QLGU vicepresident and was president from 1988-1991.

She was 90 when she passed away.

She was the club’s secretary for 10 years and served a club president from 1978-1981.

UEENSLAND golf is mourning the loss of former Queensland Ladies’ Golf Union (now Golf Queensland) president and McLeod Country Golf Club stalwart Rae Livingston.

Glad’s golfing career commenced many years ago in the Riverina at a town called Finley. Her introduction to golf was when her and her husband were unable to play tennis due to lots of rain on the clay courts, so it was decided they would try that “silly” game where you hit a white ball and walk after it, needless to say she has been playing ever since.

Keith Voltz finished runner-up. A spokesperson for the club said 15 organisations and individuals were involved in the event. They provided prizes, monetary contributions or in-kind services,” the spokesperson said. “The generosity of local golfing and sporting clubs, Ex-Service and Returned Services Clubs and organisations, local businesses and individuals is tremendous.

ACROSS

1 Tournament winner (5) 4 Young player who shows promise (7) 9 Nationality of Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke (5) 10 Someone worthy of imitation (4,5) 11 Australian who tied for second at The Barclays in 2014, Stuart _______ (7) 12 Alternatively (2,4) 13 Winner of the 2014 US PGA, ____McIlroy (4) 14 Identified; spotted (10) 18 These may be needed to separate coleaders at the end of a tournament (5,5) 20 Winner of the 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Classic, Stephen ____ (4) 23 A golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway (6) 24 Surname of current golfers Dustin and Zach (7) 26 Leading lady golfer who retired from professional golf in 2008 (9) 27 Winner of two Majors in 1994, Nick _____ (5) 28 Hazards (7) 29 A low or hollow place on a golf course (5) Answers: page 81

DOWN

1 A cheerful golfer, perhaps? (7) 2 Australian who tied for fifth at the 2014 StoneBrae Classic, ______ Hall (6) 3 Australian winner of the 2014 Price Cutter Charity Championship, Cameron _____ (5) 4 Shot that most players dream about (4,2,3) 5 Aussie winner of the 2006 Bay Hill Invitational, Rod ________ (8) 6 Moves about restlessly (7) 7 Australian who recently returned to golf after illness, Jarrod ____ (4) 8 Quarrel; to be opposed (8) 15 Draws out by pulling and stretching (9) 16 Dig up (8) 17 Manner of speaking (8) 19 Golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head (3,4) 21 Projectile like a struck golf ball (7) 22 Swedish winner of the 2008 MercedesBenz Championship, Daniel ______ (6) 24 Australian who tied for fifth at the 2014 Portland Open, _____ Nitties (5) 25 Second-hand (4)

19th hole

The Ryder Cup of Origin ed@insidegolf.com.au

he Ryder Cup is a masterpiece of drama, excitement, unexpected twists and turns, and unbridled passion. Kind of like a Larry Canning column. I love watching it every second year and would give one of my last TaylorMade Tour Preferred X balls to be there in real life. My mate Wayne “Radar” Riley says it’s easily the best event he covers in his globe-trotting golf commentary job. There is only one problem for me…. No Aussies! Outside of my general rule of thumb of barracking for whatever team is playing against the Americans, I desperately want to be more involved in the outcome by having the likes of Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy, Matty Jones, Leishman, Sendo, Bowditch and Apples battling it out for the Cup. Now that I’m looking at these names in a little more detail, I’m certain they all come from somewhere in Europe. “Scott” – well that’s pretty obvious isn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I love women but I’ve no doubt Adam could well be the first bloke ever, to look good in a Kilt. Day – The Day surname was an occupational name for “Dairy Maid” in England and Scotland. You can see this in Jason’s soft hands and brilliant short game. Ogilvy – One of the most feared Scottish Clans with its origins in Angus. Come to think of it, looking at Geoff’s physique, it does look like he could do with a bloody good steak served with baby carrots and a jacket potato.

THERE are 20 “stableford” points up for grabs. How many points will you accumulate?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Leishman – the name first appeared in Stirlingshire and then Lanarkshire with the early spelling of Leech-man, which meant doctor. I think it now means lawyer. Some Leishmans (er, LeishMEN?) later turned to clergy with William Leischman actually becoming “prior of Fogo” in 1465. That was before “Lord of the Rings” became really big. Senden – Now this is a tough one but I have it on good authority that the name came from Germany where great motor cars are made. The type that are beautifully engineered and perform with near mechanical perfection. Just like John’s golf swing. It’s no secret that Sendo hits more greens in one round than Tiger has hit in the past 18 months. In fact the last time John was in the rough was when he was trying to find Tiger’s ball when they last played together. If he ever misses a green he will have to ask for a bloody ruling. Bowditch - a habitational name from a place in Devon named Bowditch, from the Old English phrase bufan dice “above the ditch”…. Aaa, Let’s move onto Appleby shall we? Appleby – Stuey’s ancestors were about as Scottish as you can get. The family held a seat as Lords of Manor Appleby which later turned into the county town of Appleby. Unfortunately the town was frequently sacked and plundered by the greedy dudes

from down south. Clearly this is what still motivates Apples to keep his game sharp and continue to make squillions on the US PGA Tour. Just in case he is plundered again. Ahh yes, I know what it’s like to be plundered… I have three kids. And this is why it makes perfect sense to include the players I’ve mentioned in the Ryder Cup of Origin. We’d probably keep Rory and Kaymer in the side. Maybe even Mad Dog Poulter who apparently needs to see an exorcist after every Ryder Cup event. If there’s still room in the team and John Daly looks like making the US side we could throw Ray the Croupier from Crown Casino in against him… that’ll be at least one point to us. •

1. How many golfers represent their continent in each Ryder Cup? (1 pt) 2. Can you name the champion golfer who is aged 34, was born in South Africa, won an Australia Masters (2006), the US Open in 2012 and played in the Ryder Cup? (3 pts) 3. A player dropped a towel on the ground. The wind blew the towel onto the player’s ball and moved it. What is the ruling? (2 pts) 4. At the BMW Championship in the US last month, Rory McIlroy four-putted the par3 12th hole two days in a row – true or false. (1 pt) 5. Name the course designer who has reshaped the front nine holes at RACV Royal Pines. (2 pts) 6. Australia recently won the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship (Espirito Santo Trophy) in Japan. Name one of the three players representing Australia. (3 pts) 7. How many par-3 holes are there on the Old Course at St Andrews? (3 pts) 8. What is the nationality of Ryder Cup player Jamie Donaldson? (2 pts) 9. Can you solve the anagram – Ham melt on. Clue: He’s 55, an American and won the 1996 Open Championship. (3 pts) ANSWERS: (1). 12; (2). Justin Rose; (3). As the player’s equipment caused the ball to move, the player incurred a penalty stroke and must replace the ball; (4). True; (5). Graham Marsh; (6). Minjee Lee, Su Hyun Oh and Shelly Shin; (7). Two – 8th and 11th; (8). Welsh; (9). Tom Lehman.

Larry Canning

The quick nine quiz

Jones – Some people think this name originated in America when Mister Dow wanted to come up with a two syllable term to explain the index that helps really rich people become richer. You’ve probably heard the term “Keeping up with the Joneses”? The reality is, Jones is the most common surname of Wales… I’m never really sure where that is… I think it’s Europe?

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your voice

Letter Banjo would Mof the onth be proud

ast month our group of 10 golfing ladies experienced the quintessential example of country hospitality, and we’d like to encourage all golfers to support small clubs who are so desperate to survive for the wellbeing of their communities.

And heaven forbid, with not a Greenie in sight, they have dared to put the town sewerage system in the middle of the golf course and actually use the water for the fairways. And even more flabbergasting is the fact that not one single solitary person has died as a result of it being there!

Having been rained out for our planned weekend round at Moss Vale, our group decided to head to Gundagai. With a few hours’ warning that we were on our way, Gundagai put out the welcome mat for us. Two gentlemen interrupted their own game to come to the pro shop and set us up. Carts, a number of buggies, cards and information sheets were issued and off we went.

We finished our round and out came the men who appeared to have been waiting for us. And why not, you might ask; 10 attractive women with an average age of 59! The carts and buggies were returned to their owners, the princely sum of $20 was collected from each happy face and we were invited to make ourselves at home in their clubhouse where presentations were completed (with the “M & M” team coming out winners).

Only Banjo Paterson could do justice to describing our afternoon! The sun shone warmly on our backs, the course was in brilliant condition; the mighty Murrumbidgee flowed past in mesmerising swirls, silently swallowing any wayward tee shots; the trees were alive with tiny fairy wren families and finches; the finals game between the Cherry Pickers and the Tigers rugby league appeared to be proceeding in the centre of the golf course where a try score was celebrated with fireworks and horns blasting; a teenager rode her horse beside the fence cracking a whip; the local fire brigade were playing games in a paddock under the railway bridge; the local kids, more interested in calling each other silly names than watching football, played within close distance of the fairways and a little family picnicked in the shade of yet another bridge.

This is country hospitality at its very best and sadly something that our city cousins will probably never share with us. I went home with a smile on my face feeling so relaxed and happy knowing that, thank the Lord, there are still places in Australia where you can experience this kind of treatment in such a magic setting. Our afternoon at Gundagai brought in over $250 in revenue, which large clubs would scoff at, perhaps, but is lifeblood to the small clubs. So go on: take the plunge get out on that there highway. You might even buy a house there where you stand a chance of paying the mortgage off before you die! R. Cramp

YOUR VOICE

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

Relaxed rules: rubbish I must say I am surprised at some of the comments in your September column. I am 51 years old and have been playing competition golf since the age of 18. So as far as I am concerned if you play competition you follow the rules. If you play socially, who cares. We are never going to be able to stamp out the competition golfer who helps himself to a preferred lie, or gains an inch by fiddling with his marker on the green, I am more put off by people who pull up week after week and wait for a 4 ball or Ambrose events to come along so they can use their inflated handicaps to win these events. I play off 10 handicap, and my regular partners play off 3, 8, and 12 so if there is an Ambrose we won’t play, or we will go somewhere else. I do realise high handicap players like such events, however it is interesting to notice that stroke events such as monthly blue markers have the most participants. I consider that I am an average golfer, and good or bad rounds happen, that’s the nature of the game. If you do lose 78

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

a few balls and it bothers you that much perhaps you are playing the wrong game or need an easier course. Your column states that golf is struggling in the modern world. With costs going up and rounds taking longer, cash-strapped and time-poor golfers are walking away. I have been a member of four different golf clubs. I can’t say times have changed for me; around 2 and a quarter hours per nine with a 15-minute break at half way. I paid $600.00 for 12 month’s membership and $14.00 for a competition round. I went to the football last week and for a family of four, travel, tickets, food and drink cost around $250.00 for two hour’s entertainment. Week after week I see the same golfers enjoying their time at the golf club, and spending their hard-earned. Perhaps these are the people we need to look after, not the social player who has a game every blue moon. As far as larger holes or 6-hole comps are concerned that’s pure fallacy. Rodney Winter

The old Hyatt Coolum I’ve just come back from the Sunshine Coast playing the wonderful courses north of the Maroochy River. It is a depressing fact that Clive Palmer now owns this once well run and fantastic golfing destination. Of all the courses we played (Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, & Peregian Springs) Coolum is the one that has always done it for me. Coolum is also the most costly to play and the most under maintained of all. There are weeds growing on the fairways and in the greens, some bunkers are just dirt. At all the other courses, we were teamed up with other players, because we were a couple. The greens and fairways at the other courses were first class. The couples we met were a pleasure to spend an afternoon with. At Coolum we were on our own and saw only a few other players out on the course. We seemed to have the whole place to ourselves; there was not one soul to be seen around the accommodation, it was a ghost town and only a few families wondering through the Dinosaurs exhibit. It is sad that this beautiful golf course is being extinguished and used as a pawn in Mr. Palmer’s selfish agenda. This self-servicing fellow now has a say in the destiny of our country. God help Australia. Chris Hickman

Clubs feeling Wi-Fine

Less Golf, More Fun: Spot on

Congratulations on your iPad app and your story on Wi-Fi in golf clubs (August issue). A huge innovation for such a conservative sport as golf. I will certainly be talking to our club about installing Wi-Fi. Great idea and benefit for members and golf clubs.

I always enjoy reading your opinions in Inside Golf and your September column was spot on. I have been the captain of our Lady Veterans Golf for three years. We play a 9-hole competition every Friday and will be celebrating our 29th birthday in November. During the past years as new members join us, several of them have pressured us into playing an 18-hole competition on our day. After several meetings with management the 18 holes was installed with the 9 holes being the main competition on the day. Much to our committee’s delight, the 9 holes is by far the most popular which proves the point you make about “less golf, more fun”.

David Stanley

Multiple tees = more enjoyment Together with another couple we have just returned from a weekend at Barnbougle where we played Lost Farm. As a fairly high handicapper, I was a bit concerned that the course would be too difficult for me and was a bit daunted before we started, however, after a briefing in the pro shop, I was feeling a little better. The course is set out in such a way that everyone can enjoy a round of golf there. The tee boxes are positioned to make the course playable for everyone, so instead of having to tee off and being worried that I would have trouble even reaching the fairways, the tees are set forward for higher handicappers. In fact there are four different positions for the tee beds, from low marker at the very back to high marker much closer to the greens, and two other positions in between. This makes it possible for players of all levels to enjoy a round together. The course was in immaculate condition, the fairways were wide and well tended and the greens were a pleasure to putt on so all in all we enjoyed a great round. We both love the magazine and really enjoy all the articles, the travel insert keeps us dreaming of the courses we would love to play! Warrick & Robyn Bate

June Kerr

Golf has a rough problem Long courses/number of holes is not the problem with golf. Cost is not the problem. Looking in the long rough for everybody’s ball all the time is the problem. Over the years I have played with lots of younger friends, and both my sons and their friends. They all love to hit the ball as hard as they can. This mostly causes them to be in the rough somewhere. This slows up play whilst everybody looks for the ball. People behind hit up and get frustrated. New players feel the pressure and try to rush. Nobody wants to spoil other people’s day so they give up before they give our great game a chance. The rough is usually not that hard to play out of. It just hides the ball. So why do we have it? Clubs are usually run by “A” graders who want to enjoy the challenge but this is not helping to get new people to start. If you want young people to enjoy golf, mow the rough! Young people don’t care about bigger holes; They want to hit it as far as they can. So mow the rough and clean out the junk under trees! Peter Carles

demo dates Callaway

www.callawaygolf.com | au.callawaygolf.com/demo-days

Location

Day

Demo Days New South Wales/ACT Gold Creek Country Club (ACT) Moore Park Driving Range Drummond Golf Liverpool Moore Park Driving Range Drummond Golf Northmead Queensland Burleigh Golf Club Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club Victoria/Tasmania MGA Driving Range Sandringham Driving Range Commonwealth Golf Club ≠ Victoria Golf Club ** MGA Driving Range Sandringham Driving Range South Australia Highercombe GC

Mizuno

Date

Time

Friday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday

October 17 October 23 November 13 November 20 November 27

10am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7.30pm 4 - 7.30pm 4 - 7.30pm

Friday Friday

October 17 November 21

2 - 5pm 4 - 6pm

Wednesday Wednesday Friday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday

October 01 October 15 October 17 October 30 November 05 November 19

4 - 7pm 5 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 5 - 7.30pm

Saturday

October 25

9am - 1pm

mizuno.com.au

Location New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh G.C. * Concord G.C. * ** Bonniedoon G.C. * ** Bonville G.C. * Coffs Harbour Driving Range * Newcastle G.C. * ** Asquith G.C. * Mullumbimby G.C. * Port Macquarie G.C. * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Liverpool G.C. * ** Gold Creek G.C. Golf Paradise Manly G.C. * ** Drummond Golf - Casula * Moore Park G.C. * Queanbeyan G.C. * Belconnen G.C. * Pittwater G.C. Queensland Drummond Underwood * Tweed Heads G.C. * ** Bribie Island G.C. Warwick G.C. * Rockhampton G.C. * Wynumm G.C. Drummond Rockhampton at Capricorn Resort Oxley G.C. * Caloundra G.C. * Victoria Park G.C. * Golf Central * Horton Park G.C. House of Golf Hervey Bay * Virginia G.C. Headland G.C. * Indooroopilly G.C. Gympie G.C. Palm Meadows G.C. Royal Queensland G.C. South Australia Victor Habor G.C. Barossa G.C. Kooyonga G.C. Highercombe G.C. Western Australia Albany Golf Club Point Walter G.C. Wanneroo G.C. Glen Iris G.C. Albany Golf Club Wembley G.C. * Lakelands G.C. Victoria Cranbourne G.C. * ** MGA Driving Range The National G.C. * ** Commonwealth G.C. * ** Morack GC * ** Eastern G.C. (Held at Head Office) * ** Growling Frog G.C. * Metropolitan G.C. * ** Sandringham Driving Range Black Bull G.C. * Centenary Park G.C. *

Day

Date

Time

Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday

October 07 October 07 October 08 October 08 October 09 October 10 October 13 October 15 October 15 October 16 October 16 October 17 October 21 October 22 October 23 October 28 October 29 October 30 October 30

4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 5 - 7pm 8am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 11am - 3pm 4 - 7pm

Thursday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday

October 02 October 03 October 08 October 08 October 09 October 09 October 10 October 10 October 14 October 14 October 16 October 17 October 22 October 24 October 25 October 29 October 30 October 31 October 31

3 - 5pm 3 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 10.30 - 2pm 2.30 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 1pm 1 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 3 - 6pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 5pm

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday

October 14 October 15 October 22 October 25

10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 1pm

Friday Sunday Monday Saturdday Friday Wednesday Friday

October 10 October 12 October 13 October 18 October 24 October 29 October 31

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 6 - 8pm 11am - 3pm

Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturdday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Sunday

October 01 October 01 October 03 October 04 October 09 October 10 October 11 October 15 October 15 October 17 October 26

10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location

Day

Date

New South Wales Mudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 01 Dubbo Golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 02 Duntry League Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 03 Wentworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 03 Highlands Golf Club ◊ * Monday October 06 Tuesday October 07 Concord Golf Club ◊ * Royal Canberra Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 08 Canberra Int Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday October 08 Yowani Golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 09 Friday October 10 Wagga Wagga Country Club ◊ * Randwick Golf Club ◊ * Monday October 13 Ryde Parramatta Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday October 14 Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 15 Killara Golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 16 Queensland Brisbane Golf Club ° Friday October 03 Tuesday October 07 Victoria Park Driving Range ◊ * Warwick Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 08 Royal Queensland ◊ * Friday October 10 Friday October 10 Yeppoon Mercure Resort ° Golf Central ◊ * Wednesday October 15 Parkwood International ° Thursday October 16 Horton Park Golf Club ° Friday October 17 Wednesday October 22 Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Golf Gurus @ The Big Easy ° Thursday October 23 Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 24 Drummond Golf hosted by Noosa Springs ° Tuesday October 28 Drummond Underwood ◊ * Thursday October 30 Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ° Friday October 31 Friday October 31 Palm Meadows ° Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday October 01 Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ ** Wednesday October 08 Victoria Golf Club ◊ ** Thursday October 09 Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° ◊ * Thursday October 09 Mornington Golf Club ◊ ** Friday October 10 The House of Golf - Long Island ◊ ** Saturday October 11 Kingswood Golf Club ◊ ** Wednesday October 15 Sandringham Golf Driving Range ° ◊ * Wednesday October 15 Flinders Golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 16 Commonwealth Golf Club ** Friday October 17 Patterson River Golf Club √ Saturday October 18 Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 22 Drummond Golf - Traralgon ◊ * Thursday October 23 Sorrento Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 24 The House of Golf - Geelong ◊ * Saturday October 25 Western Australia Meadow Springs Golf Club ° Wednesday October 01 Marangaroo Country Club ° Friday October 03 Mandurah Golf Club ° Wednesday October 08 Maylands Golf Club ° Thursday October 09 Gosnells Golf Club ° Friday October 10 Carramar Golf Club ° Friday October 17 Geraldton Golf Club ° Thursday October 23 Spalding Park Golf Club ° Friday October 24 Royal Fremantle Golf Club ° Thursday October 30 Collier Park Golf Club ° Friday October 31 South Australia Royal Adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 01 Glenelg golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 02 Mt Barker Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 03 Gawler Golf Club ◊ * Saturday October 04 Highercombe Golf Club ◊ * Saturday October 04 Blackwood Golf Club ◊ * Sunday October 05 Port Lincoln Golf Club ◊ * Sunday October 19 The Vines of Reynella ° Wednesday October 29 Tasmania Seabrook Golf Club ◊ * Sunday October 26 Launceston Country Club ◊ * Tuesday October 28 Tasmania Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday October 29 Royal Hobart Golf Club ◊ * Thursday October 30 Devonport Golf Club ◊ * Friday October 31

Time 12 - 6pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 11am - 3pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 4pm 7 - 11am 2 - 5am 5 - 7.30pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 3 - 6.30pm 3 - 6.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 5 - 7pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 11.30am 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 2 - 6pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9.30am - 1pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 9.30am - 2pm 8am - 12pm 9.30am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 7.30am - 4pm 8am - 4pm 9am - 4pm 8.30am - 12pm 1.30 - 5.30pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 3.30 - 5.30pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 3pm 12 - 4pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. √ Callaway Putter Fitting Day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

golf directory

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

Play Australia’s Finest Sandbelt Courses • 6 nights accommodation • Green fees on 5 golf courses (Cape Schanck, Devil Bend, Eagle Ridge Golf From Course, Flinders Golf Club, Moonah Links, Mornington Golf Club, Portsea Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, Sorrento Golf Club, The Dunes Golf Links, The National Golf Club, St Andrews, Mornington Peninsula) • Cooked or Continental breakfast included • Foxtel in all units per person per night* • Rosebud House also available to hire

110

*Extra fees apply for Moonah Links, Sorrento Golf Club and The National Golf Club

ROSEBUD MOTEL

1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

Benalla Golf Club

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) • Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf@bigpond.net.au

For further enquires and bookings P: (03) 5985 2041 E: rosebudmotel@bigpond.com W: www.rosebudmotel.com.au

TRUEMANS COTTAGES Mornington Peninsula In the heart of Mornington Peninsula golf country, 3 spacious self contained houses accommodating groups of 2 – 12 people with Foxtel and BBQ area. Golf Packages tailored to suit.

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

$575p/p

Choose from: The Dunes, Moonah Links, St Andrews, Portsea, Cape Schanck, Flinders, Sorrento or Rosebud CC.

P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

Clearwater Noosa

Your choice of resort and club courses. • Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Tewantin Noosa • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory

3 Great Courses and a Great Place to Stay in Orange The Original Golf Package Specialist in Orange 2 Night Accommodation and 2 Rounds of Golf (Duntryleague and Wentworth)

›› Hole Out

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: M: E: W:

02 6495 2366 0437 801 270 info@pacificheights.com.au www.pacificheights.com.au

•All golf courses within 20 minute drive •Heated year round pool •Free BBQ area •500m walk to restaurants •FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House •Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

Great Golf Packages

3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$455 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Pambula Merimbula GC • Eden Gardens GC • Bega Country Club • Tura Beach Country Club

100% Premium Leather

$24

• All weather glove • Exceptional grip and feel • All sizes, left and right hand • Unique Australian gift

MELVIEW GREENS

Phone 02 6362 0955 Studio & Family Apartments, Ploughmans Lane Orange NSW 2800 www.melviewgreens.com.au

The perfect golfing getaway suitable for overnight or longer stays - Groups Welcome

+P&H

Gift Packs available

Order online www.kakadugolfglove.com

Phone (07) 5450 7578

Crossword Answers C D H I R I S P A P P G E R O R E E X T W D O U I S O R E O D A N

“Once you have stayed you’ll come back again”

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM. FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

210

pp twin share

There is nothing like golfing in the high country of Orange only 3 hours drive from Sydney. Orange has three wonderful courses where visitors are most welcome. All courses are minutes from Melview Greens which is a chip away from Wentworth Golf Course and owned by a keen golfing family. All apartments are fully appointed with undercover parking at the door.

FROM

Spectacular

H A S S H L L E Y Y P R A R G L A E N C G E

M P H O E O R O L E C E B Y I N N R E C O G L N H O L E S N E G J O A A S T A M E E R S S W

P A M P L I N G C H O P R A

E F I O D G I E T I S A M I N S S R I L L E

U L Y E L E U E D I E S I O N T C E R

Aquarius R

MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort. • 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied). • 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Packages starting from: $489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.

*Conditions apply

• Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure

For advertising call 1300 465 300

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

golf directory

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

$575p/p

Choose from: The Dunes, Moonah Links, St Andrews, Portsea, Cape Schanck, Flinders, Sorrento or Rosebud CC.

P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

*Spring SpECiAL*

Play anytime - No waiting

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

100A Creek Road, Birkdale, Qld | Phone (07) 3207-2452

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag”

www.lemontreemotel.com.au *prices include GST

Established 1972 • Full length 27-hole course • Excellent greens • Professional tuition available • Clubs for hire • Open seven days - BYO • Electric golf carts available

Other packages alsO available

• clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

Need new batteries? Don’t replace them, restore them with the Battery Reviver > Cleans the damaging sulphure build up on the lead plates. > Restores the voltage of the batteries. > Restores the sulphuric acid strength. > Restores the performance of the batteries.

Want to triple the life of your good batteries? Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

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October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

1300 738 557 Patent # 7374839

For advertising call 1300 465 300

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golf directory Nudgee Golf Club

InsideGolf

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE 3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

If your golf club needs more copIes of AustrAlIA’s most reAd golf mAgAzIne then pleAse cAll InsIde golf on

1300 465 300

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

Includes competition fee and after golf platter for 4 Phone: (07) 3267 7744

www.insidegolf.com.au Packages

To suit your individual needs HOLES $ * 18 On our championship course.

49 $ 131* p/person

Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

PLAY & STAY

• Twin Share Accomm • Continental Breakfast p/person • 18 holes golf To book accomm • Two Course Dinner call 02 6680 2222 • Twin Share electric cart hire

BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month. Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s.

30*

Only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay

Visitors

*Conditions apply. Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | P (02)6680 1008 info@oceanshorescc.com.au www.oceanshorescc.com.au FOLLOW US

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

A family run business for 18 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Ph (03) 5873 4477 Fax (03) 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

www.murrayrivergolf.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611 For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | October 2014

golf directory

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE CITY OF ORANGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

4-6 OCTOBER 2014

ANNUAL VETERANS’ TOURNAMENT

7-9 OCTOBER 2014

Enjoy a long weekend of golf in NSW’s premier food and wine district and play on each of Orange’s magnificent golf courses - Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange Ex-Services Country Club and Wentworth Golf Club. The three courses are played over three days, with $6,000 worth of prizes to be won. This is a championship event not to missed! Further information is available from Golf Orange Website www.golforange.com.au This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf at Duntryleague and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion. Numbers are limited to 216 players. Further information is available from our Tournament Director - Beryl Pearce – 0428 622 300 - beejaber@gmail.com.

LADIES’ OPEN TOURNAMENT

27-31 OCTOBER 2014

HAHN GOLF OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

8-9 NOVEMBER 2014

The Ladies’ Open Tournament is a much anticipated Tournament on the Duntryleague calendar. The Tournament will include golfing events each day and some great social events as well. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion. Further information is available from our Ladies Captain - Pat Bradford – 0429 685 004 - johnpatbradford@y7mail.com. (Golf NSW Vardon Event & Senior Event in conjunction) These two days of golf are not to be missed. Saturday and Sunday Championship with individual daily events in conjunction. Test yourself against some of the best players in Australia. Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion. Please contact the Golf Shop on (02) 6362 4072 for further enquiries.

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

23 NOVEMBER 2014

MERCEDES BENZ DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC

17-20 JANUARY 2015

A chance for up and coming juniors to experience one of Australia’s best regional courses. The Tournament is a must in every junior’s golfing calendar. Parents can relax and enjoy the hospitality and beauty of Duntryleague or take the opportunity to enjoy all that Orange has to offer. Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion. This 54 hole Individual Stableford Tournament continues to grow and is limited to 180 players to ensure comfortable play for everyone. It is open to anyone with a Golf Australia handicap. Duntryleague is one of the best regional golf courses in Australia and is constantly in the top 100 courses each year. Entry fees for the Tournament are excellent value at $285 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

Only 3½ hours from Sydney | Ph: 02 6362 3466

www.duntryleague.com.au

October 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

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